JQ Clothing Co. now open in Hill City

There is a new boutique in Hill City that is bringing joy to women. On May 23, JQ Clothing Co. opened its doors on Hill City Main Street in the former home of Stage Stop Leather & Gifts. 

“It’s a beautiful store with a great atmosphere and very reasonable pricing, and there’s something for everybody,” said store manager Mari Schmitz. 

Out of her love and passion for fashion, beauty and making women feel good, Jessica Quandt founded JQ Clothing Co. in Oakes, N.D., in 2013. 

In 2019, Quandt opened a second location in Medora, N.D., and she also has a mobile store that travels to fairs and other events around the area. 

Schmitz worked at both locations and said, “I’ve worked for Jessica for quite a while. I started part-time with her and eventually started full-time. We just have a great connection together.” 

Quandt also loves the Black Hills and wanted to have a store in South Dakota. 

“This opportunity came knocking at our door to rent, and we had to decide,” said Schmitz. 

Knowing they would love Hill City, Quandt asked Schmitz if she would like to manage the new location. Schmitz and her husband discussed it and agreed to sell their house and move to Hill City.

“My husband and I put it in God’s hands, and here we are,” said Schmitz. 

The deciding factor was the community. 

“We love the locals, the community and the amazing tourists that travel here,” said Schmitz. “People have been amazing. They are so nice.” 

The entire process was completed in about two-and-a-half months. Once the previous business closed, the owner installed new flooring and painted everything. Then, Quandt and her family put in the fixtures and the merchandise. The interior was set up in less than a month. 

“It was quick,” said Schmitz. “We worked fast and furious.”

Now, women of all ages can journey to the boutique and explore the results. 

“We have a variety of things, and it changes all the time,” said Schmitz. 

All the products are organized by theme or item type in “cute” displays arranged by Quandt. Some of these special displays include South Dakota, patriotic, lake house and even Smokey Bear products. 

Schmitz said they sell Smokey Bear products in Medora and love that it is the school mascot in Hill City. 

The clothing options come in an endless variety including a selection of shirts, skirts, shoes, dresses, jean jackets, jeans and more. 

“Jeans are getting to be a huge thing. We carry a couple of brands—the KanCan brands and the Judy Blue,” said Schmitz. 

Along with this, the store also carries plus-size clothing. 

“That’s huge,” said Schmitz. “We want them to have fun clothing too.”

“I love helping women pick something out and making themselves feel beautiful or putting an outfit together,” said Schmitz. 

Interspersed amongst the clothes are home décor items, gift items, candles, pictures, souvenirs, beauty products, Kitsch hair accessories, jewelry, tumblers and so much more. There is also a section of children’s products and toys for little girls who visit the store. 

“We have our own taste,” said Schmitz. “It’s simple but unique.” 

Perhaps the most unique section is the company’s new hat bar. Here customers can choose a hat to customize with a plethora of pins, charms, chains and patches. Jeans, jean jackets, bags and more can be customized as well. Once the patches are chosen, the store has a machine that adheres them to the material. 

“There are so many different things that you can do. We’ve been having a lot of fun with it,” said Schmitz. 

Schmitz said there are patches, pins and charms for everything. These can be purchased individually as well. The charms can even be added to bracelets. 

“You could be here for an hour,” said Schmitz. “You can do all kinds of things. It’s going to be fun.” 

At JQ Clothing Co., the ultimate goal is customer service and making women feel good. 

Quandt said, “The staff at JQ love what they do. It shows. We are always excited to meet all the smiling faces.” 

Schmitz said they want to be known for their joyful atmosphere, kindness and grace. 

“We’re hoping this will be a destination store for people, even from the surrounding areas,” said Schmitz. 

“I am just really excited. This is new to me. I’m anxious to see the tourists and what happens in Hill City,” said Schmitz. “I’m ready for an exciting, busy summer.” 

Schmitz is hard at work hiring and training new employees. The store will be open Monday through Sunday year-round. For now, the hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the tourist season, they hope to be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Information about hours, updates, products, specials, sales and events will be posted on the JQ Clothing Co. Facebook page. Watch for a grand opening date as well.

“We’re all about special events,” said Schmitz. “Jessica and I have some fun ideas to bring to Hill City with us.” 

Schmitz is also hoping to get connected with the locals, merchants and the chamber. 

“I’m totally about community, getting involved with the community. That’s what we’re about,” said Schmitz. 

She would love to have community members stop by the store and say hi. 

For more information about JQ Clothing Co., email Schmitz at sales@jqclothingco.com or go to jqclothingco.com.