Bass weathers unsteady waters to remain big fish in the sea

LAFAYETTE — A large space once known affectionately as “The Village,” in Lafayette saw a hey day, then turned to tatters and question marks.
Fortunately, the fate of the cluster of stores has a happy ending thanks to a new management company stepping in, and it's re-emerged, with resurgence, as The Shoppes at Lafayette. Many new stores have come in and some stores that were once there have returned. Then there are the three stores that rode the storm. Not only have they weathered the vacillation of the Village, they've remained vibrant throughout.
The stores are Van Heusen, Maidenform and G.H. Bass &Co. Due to corporate regulations, Van Heusen and Maidenform were not able to comment, but Bass tells its story though the eyes of Manager, Emma Peterson, of Lafayette.
Peterson actually started at Van Heusen 20 years ago. At that time, Bass occupied the small store next to Van Heusen.
“It was limited to shoes at first,” she said, “Then it soon expanded into the top floor of a new building with a full expansion of apparel and accessories as well.”
Then came uncertainty.
“For six to seven years, the Center was bank-owned/in foreclosure,” Peterson said. “As a result, it deteriorated and many stores left.”
The Bass store's good service and products prevailed, and was still was able to produce a good profit for the company.
“Bass has great products, prices and salespeople,” she said. “It's friendly unlike some stores at a mall and offers more personal service and convenience. We also offer internet sales.”
When new management came in, Peterson and Bass employees were thrilled at the positive changes.
“The Center looks beautiful it is so nice to see all the upgrades and details throughout,” she said. “As a result many new stores have opened. The input from many customers is how beautiful and family friendly it is to walk through. The management Nick and Sean both always working at the center and ready to help with anything we may need are amazing. They saw the potential The Shoppes at Lafayette had.”
The new management also started bringing in special events.
“This past summer had great event turnouts, and for us, weekends that we doubled our sales goals,” Peterson said. “The events are exciting and something for everyone.”
She credits Patti Singer, the manager of marketing and events at The Shoppes at Lafayette, with doing a great job with the events.
“Many customers come in and tell us how happy they are that we at Bass have stuck through the hard times throughout the years,” Peterson said. “We have a huge loyal customer base that we just love and are very lucky to have such wonderful customers.”
Peterson is certain that The Shoppes at Lafayette will continue and grow and be a great destination to not only shop and eat at The Lafayette House but enjoy all full day of fun.
Peterson attributes it to the centeer's uniqueness.
“When the Village was first built, Bass took up a smaller part of the one building,” Singer said. “The owners built the space they are in specifically for them. The design, the layout and the color of the building, which as it still remains today was all for Bass. When the new owners bought the Village back in 2017 they wanted to make sure that Bass, along with Van Heusen and Maidenform were happy.”
Bass features tried and true fashion staples with timeless style and class, and Bass shoes have been worn for generations.
“Management was so happy that they were able to make it through the hard times and emerge out the other side with increasing sales as The Shoppes at Lafayette continues to renovate and bring in new stores,” Singer said.