Women’s jeans store C’ville is trying to expand in Richmond.

        Women’s clothing retailer Jean Theory plans to open a new store at 5708 Patterson Ave. (Courtesy Jean Theory)
       A Charlottesville women’s clothing store that specializes in jeans is opening a second store closer to home for its new owner in Richmond.
       Jean Theory plans to open in early November at 5708 Patterson Ave., near the corner of Libby and Patterson.
       The new store will complement Jean Theory’s current store in Downtown Charlottesville, which sells jeans from a variety of brands such as Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s Jeans, Hudson, Pistola, AG, AGolde and more.
        Store owner Mandy Edwards, a Richmond resident, took the reins of Jean Theory earlier this year after becoming familiar with the store as a client. Before making the deal with Jean Theory, she was thinking about opening her own store from scratch.
        “In January 2022, I decided to pursue my dream of owning a boutique,” ​​Edwards said. “I decided to focus on denim and contacted my former boss, Jean Theory, who was looking for other options herself at the time.”
       Edwards said she believes there is a shortage of a store like Jean Theory in the Richmond market, adding that the Charlottesville store will continue to operate as usual.
       The Richmond store will be located on the site of the former ceramics restoration studio McHugh’s Restorations, which closed this year after four decades in business.
        In addition to women’s jeans, Jean Theory also offers shirts, outerwear, shorts and accessories. They sell new items, not used or used clothing.
        Edwards runs Jean Theory full-time and bought the company in April. She used to be a housewife.
       Founded 14 years ago, Jean Theory operated in various locations around Charlottesville before settling into its current location in the city, 101 W. Water St..
        Jack joined BizSense in 2020 and has worked in startups, retail, healthcare, public companies and non-profits. He previously wrote for the Virginia Gazette and Tidewater Review. He is a graduate of Christopher Newport University. Please contact him at [email protected] or 804-554-6545.