The Shop On the corner of 5th Ave. and Main St., in downtown Edmonds, stands Sound Styles, a fashion institution in Edmonds. Originally, the boutique was bought by two families with the intention of having the daughters from those two families run it. However, one family quickly discovered that the retail business was not for them, giving mother Dolores Bjorback and her daughter Jenny Murphy co-ownership only three years after the purchase of 100 5th Ave North took place. Almost 30 years later, the boutique is still standing, thriving, and is still owned by Bjorback and Murphy.
“We recently were given a magazine from 1987 that featured mother- daughter business partners in the area. We were one of those pairs featured. It’s fun to look back and see where we were then and where we are now,” Murphy said.
The Atmosphere There is a welcoming embrace that is felt upon entering the boutique. A great sense of community has clearly been established here. The owners and the women working in the boutique greet shoppers by name, they remember what you purchased last trip in and are more than willing to offer styling advice. “We don’t just throw fashion at you. We help you.”
Key People Murphy said that she is in the store every day, and that her mother can usually be found in the store office. Beside the two owners there are three lovely sales women Julie, Mary, and Shelly. “We work as a team, and we all really like each other,” Murphy said. She added that a few of the women even hang out after work together.
What You’ll Find “We offer washable, packable, affordable, comfortable clothes.” Near the back of the shop you come across “Sound Style Travels,” a corner where pictures have been posted of women wearing outfits that were purchased at Sound Styles. This corner is almost famous because women come in and get excited to see who traveled where and what they wore Murphy said. There is even a 20% discount off the next purchase if you submit a photo of yourself wearing clothing from Sound Styles — a promotion that has been ongoing for the last 20 years, and has established a great sense of community.
Whether customers need help packing their carry-on or need styling advice, the women working at the boutique are there for just that. “The carry-on must haves include a black pant, cardigan, printed skirt, and a jean jacket,” Murphy said. She added that because her customers like to travel, most of the fabrics are wrinkle-free.
The boutique’s best-selling line is “Tribal” where tops range from $70–$80 and leggings are $66. The boutique offers clothes and lots of accessories, such as scarves, which range from $18–$28. During the entire month of October, shoppers are given an additional 29% off for the annual anniversary sale. “It used to be just one day in October, then it went to one weekend in October, and now the anniversary sale is the entire month of October.” One weekend in October
is still dedicated to the anniversary party, where shoppers come to socialize and drink wine.
Owners Favorite Murphy said that she sometimes thinks about what else she would do but… she loves what she does. “My favorite thing about the shop is working with the people, I love and being in downtown Edmonds.”
100 5th Ave., North, Edmonds
425.771.4111 | soundstyles.com
Mon.–Wed. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | Thurs. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | Sun. 10a.m.–5p.m.
