Posts Tagged ‘Pump Boutique’
Chicago Boutique Profile: Pump
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Everyone has his/her favorite neighborhood joint. Maybe it’s the corner bar, the local deli or the coffee shop that has your latte ready before you order. Well, my favorite spot serves a different kind of deliciousness altogether. Pump Shoes and Accessories (1659 W Division Street) is a retail wonderland where I find respite in a tempting selection of footwear and the promise of unsurpassed customer service.
Upon entering, it’s apparent that though the shoes are perched like mini pieces of art, the boutique is unpretentious and cozy. A gigantic, plush ottoman sits beneath a twinkling chandelier, beaconing shoppers to plop down and try on a pair (or two or three…). The boutique carries styles ranging from casual to formal by labels including Dolce Vita, Hunter, Calvin Klein, Jeffrey Campbell (“a bestseller,” according to owner Maureen Longua Bueltmann) and many more. In addition to the impressive shoe collection, Pump sells accessories galore: handbags, jewelry and hats worthy of the Kentucky Derby.
Pump has provided fabulous accessories to Wicker Park’s shoe addicts since 2004. When asked why she only sells shoes and accessories Maureen replies, “You never have to suck in your gut to wear them.” Unlike trying on clothes, shoes come without consequence and the need to lose five pounds. Guaranteed happiness!
Besides the irresistible selection, much of the shop’s 6-year success is rooted in Maureen’s commitment to her clientele. “As cliché as it may sound, they come here for the experience, and we come to work for the same reason,” she says. “I love what I do because of the customers.” As a cult follower I agree, and weirdly enough, my boyfriend does too. While on an agonizing search for my birthday gift, he wandered into Pump. In 10 minutes, the staff helped him find the best present I’ve ever received. They knew my name, knew my wish list and, craziest of all, knew my shoe size. The result was a luscious pair of over-the-knee brown leather Jeffrey Campbell boots.
Maureen’s impeccable taste—as my birthday present proves—and enthusiasm for shoes is contagious. “The Pump customer agrees the process of trying on shoes is as much fun as wearing them for the first time,” she says. In a city as diverse as Chicago, it’s easy to find a store where you can enjoy trying on amazing shoes. But, few stores have Pump’s abundant selection, fair price tags and outstanding customer service—the service that builds relationships with shoppers. It’s hard to find a shop where you feel at home, not swindled into a sale or snubbed. Though you won’t be handed a non-fat vanilla latte when walking through the door, you’ll be greeted with something with far more lasting power: an exceptional experience while perusing delcious shoes and accessories.
Images courtesy of Pump
Tags: Calvin Klein, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Jeffrey Campbell, Maureen Longua Bueltmann, Pump Boutique, Pump Shoes and Accessories Boutique, Shoes
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