If you want to “stand out for good,” feel free to hit up Columbia’s newest store, [Altar’d State](http://www.altardstate.com/), as soon as it opens this summer. With locations in a multitude of Southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Lousiana, Texas and Kentucky among them), Altar’d State has an array of fashionable merchandise that would make any shopping enthusiast melt.
The “for good” part of the store’s slogan doesn’t just point to the eternal status of your standing out, however. This boutique may be a great place to get lost in a sea of cute clothing, but there’s another, additional benefit: the impact you can indirectly make in someone’s life through each purchase.
“Giving back is not just what we do; it’s who we are,” chairman and CEO Aaron Walters says. “Altar’d State works to engage both our employees and the community in our mission.”
So how did this fashion-forward activist’s dream store get started?
“The store began with a mission to fill the gap in the retail in the industry and change the world for the better,” Walters says of his value-driven organization. “We were constantly inspired by the idea of improving the self-esteem and self-image of our customer and creating a movement. We started with one store in Knoxville, Tenn., but learned and adapted into the over 20 stores we are today.”
Altar’d State’s customers receive personalized attention from the employee and can browse other brands that give back, such as TOMS shoes, FashionABLE scarves, Krochet Kids, FEED and Jedidiah. Each of these organizations value empowering people, and Altar’d State even has its own specific brand to join in the feel-good fun: a portion of the proceeds from those purchases is donated to provide for children around the world by feeding, sheltering, educating and, most of all, clothing them.
In addition, the company also participates in “Mission Mondays” (obviously occurring on Mondays), where the company donates 10 percent of its net proceeds to a variety of local charities.
“Many of our online customers gave us the idea of locating in Columbia,” Walters says of the choice to add a location in CoMo. “They were right. Columbia is a young, vibrant city and was the perfect location for our third Missouri store. I hope that not only will our customers enjoy our unique, fashionable clothing but also be inspired to give back and make a difference where they are.”
If you’re interested in being on the employee-side of the retail symbiosis, the clothing store is currently hiring those with retail experience, energy and a desire to make a difference. Open interviews are being held in Columbia Mall on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The obvious perks are a positive work environment and having access to the latest ah-dorable trends, but Altar’d State also offers employees paid monthly volunteer hours.
“We believe that every individual can make a difference in the world, so we support our employees in their efforts to give back,” Walters says. “There is more to life than just working, so we want to encourage professional and personal growth in the people we hire.”
