BEST FRIENDS & A BOUTIQUE. Locals Madison Buechner and Stacy Barnhardt, pictured, recently opened their joint business on Barstow Street: Threads Clothing Co. Women's and men's clothing, a customizable hat bar, discounts for students and military members and more await shoppers.

On June 27, downtown Eau Claire gained a new boutique, Threads Clothing Co. (417 S Barstow St., Eau Claire) and with it, the chance for local shoppers to find bold clothing items that illuminate their closets.

Madison Buechner and Stacy Barnhardt, the two owners of the operation, said the location’s customizable hat bar – along with trend-forward men’s and women’s clothing – is what sets their boutique apart.

Barnhardt and Buechner met as coworkers at their previous jobs in the Chippewa Valley and admired each other’s work ethics. In this new chapter of life, Barnhardt received encouragement from her family to start a business and knew exactly who to call when the right space opened up: Buechner.

The Threads Clothing Co. owners said they each value affordability, and for their new business, a constant flow of inventory; they plan to bring in new looks for locals on a weekly basis. 

Its retail sizes range from small to double extra-large; sandals and sneakers offered in a range of sizes and patterns; stickers, keychains, hair clips and other accessories offer shoppers a new selection each time they come.

Stop by in person or head to www.threadscc.com to shop Threads Clothing Co.'s weekly drops.

Personalized shopping experiences throughout the store continue to be of importance to Buechner and Barnhardt. Threads Clothing Co.’s hat bar, as one example, lets customers begin with a men’s or women’s baseball or trucker hat before adding their own unique touches.

With dozens of patches – simple phrases, initials, sports symbols and more – customers are able to work alongside Threads Clothing Co. staff to mix and match styles for a one-of-one look.

“I think the big thing was something different that Eau Claire didn’t have, but then also an in-store experience,” Barnhardt said of the hat bar. “Come in, have fun with that (hat bar), create your own (style) – whatever it may be – and then you get to leave with it too that same day.”

Barnhardt said the hat bar will only be offered in-store but has potential to be available online in the future based on customer demand. 

“I want to do something different that not everybody does. It’s something that you can make 100% your own,” Barnhardt added.

The business itself has deep roots in the military, with both owners having family members who served in different branches, the duo shared. As a result, each wanted to offer an opportunity to give back to other veterans and those who currently serve. 

A 10% discount is offered to those who present military identification, along with a student discount offered for both high school and college students.

Barnhardt has multiple hands in the Threads Clothing Co. business, thanks to her family of five. Her children currently work at the storefront and help out with modeling for the websites’ imagery. Threads also sells items from Wildflower Handmade Collections, textile goods made by Kiersten Barnhardt, Stacy’s first child.

From their soft launch to grand opening, the Threads Clothing Co. owners hope to keep the momentum going as they continue through the summer shopping season.

Threads Clothing Co. (417 S Barstow St., Eau Claire) is open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Customers can also shop on its website online, threadscc.com and keep up with the biz on social media.