At this time of year when the season is filled with holiday celebrations and family gatherings; sister and brother team Genea and Eric Webb are focused on making sure that everyone is fashionably dressed for their affair of choice.
For more than 20 years the family owned business, Selections by Genea and Eric at 534 Miller Ave. in Clairton has been providing a varied clientele throughout the Mon Valley with what the duo consider an eclectic selection of clothing and accessories.
The store was established in1993 by the duos mother, Hannah who wanted to take her love of all things fashionable to the general public.
“Mom’s first business venture was a beauty salon on North State Street in 1968,” said Eric pointing out that she was the first Black woman back then to do so. In 1980 she purchased the Miller Street property and opened Salon de Elegance. “Clients came from all over the area, Penn Hills, Pittsburgh and Monessen for my Mom’s one of a kind hair styles,” said Genea. “She even did one of Mr. Rodger’s Neighborhood’s receptionist’s hair.”
Thinking back, Eric recalls that his Mom was a nurse’s aide for a while and attended a Beauty School located in the Hill District on Centre Avenue. “She also liked to draw and loved people,” he said. After an accident that prohibited her from working as a beautician at the capacity she was accustom to Eric said the shop closed for about a decade and reopened as a resale shop. Later her efforts focused on the clothing store with a market in African attire. By the request of her customers wanting a wider selection of clothing, Genea said Selections by Genea and Eric expanded to a family owned and operated clothing boutique. Their father Richard along with the rest of the family Genea says traveled all over the country finding unique and eye-catching items.
Today, Genea, Eric and Richard work hard to keep their mother and wife’s vision alive. Hannah passed away Dec. 28, 2014. Following her desires, a wide array of clothing and accessories in all sizes for women and men are sold at the store. Items include church suits, dresses and jackets, skirt and paints sets, leather, suede, fur and faux fur, men’s suits along with hats, ties, belts and cufflinks. Looking around, Eric mentioned smiling that his Dad takes pride in matching hats with suits for customers.
Admiring their mother’s work ethics and passion, Genea says they continue to provide excellent customer service and attention to each customer that enters the store, “We have a lot of long time repeat customers because we believe in building relationships and knowing their style and likes and dislikes.” Concurring with Genea’s comment Cassie A. LeMon of Pleasant Hills a former Clairton resident said she has been shopping at the store for many years. “They carry fabulous and quality clothing,” said the retired Pittsburgh Public School teacher. Other noted customers include the Rev. Judith Moore of Greater Allen AME Church and television and radio personality Chris Moore.
Located in the heart of Clairton’s business district, the store is located 45 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh.
One other legacy Genea and Eric plan to continue from their mother is the Fashions for a Cure Charity. Established in 2005, the fashion-centered event raised money for the Hillman Cancer Center’s Patience Assistance Program.
“We know a lot of people effected by cancer,” said Genea mentioning her grandmother, and aunt as well as her mother who had breast cancer. “We hope to do something in the spring when our new inventory comes in.”
In the meantime, Eric says their goal is to fulfill the customer’s needs for the holiday. Understanding their market, he says they offer a rack of one of a kind clothing for $59 and up until Christmas Eve they will offer a buy one item at regular price and 50 percent off the second item. Aiming to increase their customer base, he says he also wants to uplift the community.
“We have been here a long time and are a part of this community. My Dad is 70 years old and a U.S. Army Veteran, I graduated from Clairton High School and my sister is a graduate of Point Park University and has a journalism career here. We are invested.”
Selections by Genea and Eric is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. and on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment. Any holiday special orders Genea says should be placed as soon as possible to be receive by the holiday by calling the store at 412-233-7242. Eric also suggests that using their Facebook page is just as convenient.
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