Kore Values

Kore Fashion & Gallery gives downtown Springfield shoppers the chance to buy non-toxic cosmetics, one-of-a-kind clothing and purses that can’t be found anywhere else locally, all at affordable prices.

By Savannah Waszczuk Photo by Kevin O'Riley

THE SHOP:
Kore Fashion & Gallery, 329 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-865-5673, korefashionandgallery.com.

ATMOSPHERE:
Phillip Simpson purchased Kore Fashion & Gallery in December 2010, but he didn’t officially open the store with his concept and remodel changes until July 2011. “I changed the layout of the space to be more welcoming,” Simpson says. He moved the wardrobe displays forward to add more merchandise at the front of the store, and he also added wood trim and décor to match the wood floors and warm up the environment. The shopping experience is very personalized, as associates are able to tell shoppers how and where products are constructed and how you can use the product in different ways. “We try to get products that can be used throughout several seasons, and we share how to wear them several ways,” Simpson says.

KEY PEOPLE:
Simpson says he has had an interest in fashion for as long as he can remember, and he has been putting together his own outfits since he was 8 years old. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 2000, and he has been working in retail since age 16. He once managed a cosmetic counter at a high-end retail store, and he worked as an assistant manager for American Eagle for four years. And he’s a busy guy. In addition to owning and working at Kore Fashion & Gallery, Simpson works another full-time job.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND:
Kore Fashion & Gallery sells an eclectic mix of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. But it’s unlike many boutiques in the fact that it doesn’t sell collections of any select brands or designers. “We don’t sell collections, we sell pieces,” Simpson says. This gives Simpson a chance to pick out things that stand out and are often able to be combined with items shoppers have at home. The styles found at Kore range from sophisticated and chic to boho and even punk, occasionally. The prices are affordable, and the pieces are very boutique: When you’re shopping there, you’ll probably come across many dresses, belts, scarves and purses you’ve never seen before. Popular brands sold at Kore include Blank Denim and Colorfast Apparel, and it’s the area’s exclusive carrier of Ashard Richley purses. The store also sells Ava Anderson Non-Toxic cosmetics and NYX cosmetics, and it sells electronics. Kore also sells an exclusive fragrance, Substance, which was developed just for the store. And for the “& Gallery” portion of Kore’s name, it has art for sale. Currently, the pieces on display are by Chaz Williams, but Simpson is working on designing a program in which he sells art created at local schools and then donates all of the profits back to the school’s art departments.

417 VERDICT:
The prices here are affordable, and it’s obvious that the inventory consists of high-quality items. And we love the plans Simpson has for selling students’ art. If you’re shopping downtown, you don’t want to miss this store.

Five Things We Love:

1. lmps and Monsters tee, $22.50
2. OrigAudio Fold and Play recycled speakers, $19.50
3. Ashard Richley signature clutch, $199.50
4. Coveted Clothing dress, $49.50
5. Substance by Kore For Him/For Her, $29.50 for 1.7 ounces