Why Small Businesses Matter in Darien: Helen Ainson

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Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story.

You're IT Helen Ainson!

Three questions with Erica Jensen, owner of Helen Ainson.

Why did you start your business?

Fashion is in my blood! My mother started Helen Ainson in New York City in 1948. I spent endless hours in her store as a child, watching the sophisticated women come in and try on all the beautiful dresses. I started working in her second store in Greenwich when I was in high school, and when I was in college, I started doing the buying with her NYC store buyer. In those years I would dress up in beautiful suits with an ornate hat and long gloves to go to the city – my, how things have changed over the past 40 years! After I graduated from college I knew I wanted to open my own store fell in love with Darien. At the time, there wasn’t a boutique providing cutting edge eveningwear and so voila, Helen Ainson of Darien opened in 1977! 

Best selling product/service?

Helen Ainson is best known for our large selection of evening gowns for Mothers of the Bride/Groom, Bar/Bat mitzvahs and cocktail attire. In addition to having a large selection in store from over 150 designers, most of our eveningwear can be custom ordered in different colors or with different detailing. We are a one stop shop and provide a unique experience where a woman can purchase her dress, shoes, evening bag, jewelry, lingerie and organza or cashmere wrap all at the same place. We offer alteration services on site to make our customer’s lives as easy as possible! Over the years we have also grown our selection of casual clothing and carry everything from jeans (or yoga jeans) to the perfect business casual outfit.

How many people do you employ? Any youth or seniors from the community?

The store currently employs seven people and we are proud of the sense of family and community that has been key to the success of Helen Ainson. My most tenured full-time professionals have been with Helen Ainson an average of 17 years! We always look to hire young people in the community and currently have three part-time girls who attend local high schools or NCC. One current full-time professional started working at Helen Ainson while in high school at the age of 16, continued through college and after graduation joined the team full time! 

Helen Ainson is located at 1078 Boston Post Road in Darien.

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

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Submitted by Darien, CT

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