CityView Magazine

18 | July/August 2018 With nearly every item in the store up for sale, the store's décor changes constantly but coherently. Leclair creates the displays in ways that control the store's energy, environment and mood. Marketing is a creative outlet that comes easy to Leclair, who studied the subject in college and spent nearly two decades putting his knowledge to use at Abercrombie & Fitch, then at Club Monaco. In a prior position as regional director of sales, he navigated the operational end as well as sales, using the analytical side of his brain for stores that bring in $5 million to $10 million annually. When Leclair decided to open a general store, he considered locating it in a city like Savannah or in a Triangle- area city, like Cary or Apex. Fayetteville got the nod because he has family here, including his brother who is in the Army, and because he liked the way the city has been transforming. "It's a big risk," he said. "Many wouldn't do it." e Leclair family has a pivotal role in the business end of the store whether it's weighing in, playing devil's advocate, crunching numbers or providing inspiration. Leclair's father, Paul, does the bookkeeping and financials. Many of the items sold at the store can be traced to some sort of connection with Leclair's family, from the military-inspired handmade greeting cards to the specialty Hatchet Coffee that's served to the watercolor bird designs that are a favorite of Leclair's mother. If you pay attention, you might notice a framed, weathered-looking photo enlargement on one wall, showing two young boys fishing. I knew by the way Leclair stared at with a smile when we walked by that it took him back to a fond memory of his own young son. Leclair draws professional and creative encouragement from James Mills, an international consultant on aesthetics and styles and a former colleague from Club Monaco. Life moves fast for Leclair but he seems its equal. Aer being on his feet for 20 years he said it doesn't feel right to sit down while at work – though he will sit for a while at the end of the day to savor a conversation and a glass of Pinot Grigio. Otherwise, he's on his feet and moving – all day, every day. e store is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

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