Christopher & Banks

Where Shopping Feels Personal Again

By Leslie Byrne

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Imagine walking into a clothing store where someone greets you with a smile, remembers what styles you love, and is not afraid to tell you, “Let’s try a different color, one that looks even better on you.” This kind of shopping experience has become surprisingly rare. For many Omaha-area women, it is exactly why a visit to Christopher & Banks has become not just an errand but something they genuinely look forward to. 

 

“We always think about her first,” says Desica Harms, vice president of Christopher & Banks, who has spent nearly 26 years with the company. “Our customer may have changed over the years, but what’s important to her really hasn’t. Family often comes first, and she puts herself second. When she walks into our store, we want her to feel like she’s first.” That simple philosophy influences everything the company creates.

 

Unlike many retailers, Christopher & Banks is a private-label brand, meaning its collections are designed exclusively for its own stores. Customers won’t find the same prints, colors, or styles somewhere else. In fact, the company’s exclusive prints have become something of a signature, with many longtime shoppers eagerly waiting each season to see what’s new.

 

Christopher & Banks focuses on helping women build wardrobes they will actually wear that are in style and fresh. The collections feature current colors, flattering silhouettes, thoughtful details, and pieces designed to mix and match effortlessly. “We want women to feel current and confident while wearing clothes that fit their lifestyle,” Desica says.

 

If there’s one thing Christopher & Banks customers mention again and again, it is fit. The company invests significant time developing clothing for real women, using both Misses and Women’s fit models to help ensure consistency across collections. “Our customers tell us they appreciate knowing what to expect,” Desica shares. “They also want clothes that wash well, wear well, and continue looking current.”

 

Many pieces are also designed to work as hard as today’s women do. Jackets transition from work to dinner. Layering pieces carry wardrobes from one season to the next. The goal isn’t simply adding another sweater to the closet, it is creating versatile outfits women can reach for again and again.

 

Of course, clothing is only part of the experience. Desica believes what truly sets Christopher & Banks apart is something online shopping simply can’t deliver. “It’s the conversation,” she says. “It’s having someone help you with fit, color, and styling. The confidence you gain from talking with another person is something online shopping can’t replace.”

 

Store associates receive training on fit and styling; perhaps more importantly, they get to know their customers. Many associates keep wish lists, call shoppers when favorite items arrive or come back in stock, and offer honest feedback when another size or style might work better. “Our goal is helping women find what truly looks and feels best,” Desica says.

 

That personal touch leaves a lasting impression. Christopher & Banks regularly receives handwritten notes from grateful customers thanking store associates for helping them through life’s important moments. Sometimes, it’s finding the perfect outfit for a wedding or special celebration. Other times, it’s helping someone dress for a funeral or another difficult occasion with kindness, patience, and compassion. Many regular customers stop in just to say hello, chat with the staff, and see what’s new. “It’s about much more than clothing,” Desica says. “Relationships matter.”

 

The Christopher & Banks location near 132nd and West Center Road is located in a convenient outdoor shopping center rather than a traditional enclosed mall. It’s easy to park, pop in, and enjoy personalized service without navigating crowded corridors or department stores. “It’s easy to get in and out,” Desica says, “but you still receive that one-on-one attention.”

 

There’s another reason to visit this month. From September 18th to 21st, the Omaha store will host its Fall Style Event, featuring new seasonal collections, exclusive in-store activities, and complimentary personal styling appointments. Customers can call the store at 402-819-4539 to schedule dedicated time to refresh their wardrobes, building outfits with this season’s rich browns, burgundies, and other fall favorites. Even better? Christopher & Banks’ signature denim, something customers have eagerly awaited for months, is finally back in stock.

 

When asked what she hopes every woman feels as she leaves the store, Desica doesn’t hesitate. “Confident,” she says. “I want her to know she’s wearing clothes that fit beautifully and make her feel good about herself.”

 

For exclusive styles that fit and a personal shopping experience, women continue to return to Christopher & Banks. They are not just finding clothes they will love; they are rediscovering how enjoyable shopping can be when someone truly puts them first. Visit online at christopherandbanks.com or in person at 13029 West Center Road, in Omaha, or call the store at 402-819-4539. 

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