Saturday, November 17, 2012

Las Vegas Review Journal features Mugsy & Moxie's Bully Couture

Dog boutique among businesses ready for Small Business Saturday

http://media.lvrj.com/images/7815481-6-4.jpg
  • Photos by Jerry Henkel/Las Vegas Review-Journal
    King Mugsy poses Nov. 7 at Mugsy & Moxie's Bully Couture in Tivoli Village. The shop will be one of many businesses promoted Nov. 24 as part of Small Business Saturday, an initiative started by American Express and the American Independent Business Alliance. » Buy this photo

By Laura Carroll
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted: Nov. 17, 2012 | 2:29 a.m.

Inside Mugsy and Moxie's Bully Couture, Dee and Kevin Mounts are getting ready for their first holiday shopping season.

The duo ordered extra custom-made dog collars, Bed in a Bag sets and travel dog feeders, and are expecting to hire additional part-time sales staff. Now they just have to wait for shoppers to come to their location at Market LV inside Tivoli Village, 420 S. Rampart Blvd.

"Everything giftwise, we've already started," Dee said. "And we're offering gift wrapping of course."
 http://media.lvrj.com/images/7780118-2-4.jpg

The Mounts' dog boutique caters to bull breeds such as pit bulls and pugs, but provides locally made artisan goods for any pup and owner that walk in the door. Being an independent shop, much of their retail business has grown through word-of-mouth and website visits.

That independent retail spirit will be celebrated nationwide with the third annual Small Business Saturday, an initiative started by American Express and the American Independent Business Alliance. On Nov. 24 small eateries and retailers are encouraged to participate by posting fliers in shop windows and signing up on the American Express website as a participating business.

Last year, more than 100 million people nationwide supported small businesses on Small Business Saturday. Also, the U.S. Senate adopted a unanimous resolution designating the day after Black Friday as Small Business Saturday.

"It's a day for consumers to go out and support local independent businesses that help our economy on a local level," Small Business Saturday spokeswoman Patricia Norins said. "The initiative is spreading like wildfire."

Interested businesses should visit shopsmall.com for resources including free downloads of signs and planning tools.

"I think the anticipation for this year is going to be bigger and better than last year," Norins said.

Small businesses looking to capitalize on the "shop local" day should think about coming up with special deals and discounts to be given on Nov. 24, Norins suggested. Also, she noted, shops and restaurants that participate usually promote the shopping day through social media and email marketing. On the day of, Norins said window signs, balloons and banners will quickly signal that a small business is participating to any shoppers looking to support an independent.

Although she didn't have specific data, Norins said, "This initiative not only has a huge impact on traffic but also on sales, too."

To encourage customers to shop locally on Nov. 24, American Express also is offering a $25 statement credit to its customers who enroll starting Sunday at shopsmall.com.

Back inside Tivoli Village, the Mounts family depends on its independence and uniqueness to stay in business. Dee said selling items such as $20 custom necklaces featuring pictures of your favorite canine help their shop stand out in a city filled with dog boutiques.

 http://media.lvrj.com/images/7780114-4-4.jpg


The couple has had requests from people in Europe, Portugal and Argentina who want items shipped, but the couple doesn't offer that service. Instead, Dee tells them they should book a trip to Las Vegas.
Some of them do.

Last week, bulldogs from Oregon came to shop in the store last week (with their owners) after hearing of Mugsy and Moxie's.

"We're really proud of that. We need to take care of our community," Dee said.

Contact reporter Laura Carroll at lcarroll@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588.

Las Vegas Review Journal Featured Article

Friday, November 16, 2012

King Mugsy's Christmas Charity Drive


It's that time of year again when we reach out to the community to collect Pet Food and Supplies for our Las Vegas Senior Citizens and their beloved pets.

Once again we have partnered with the best!  Arica Dorff of Pet'ographique and her amazing talent to capture You, Your Pets and Family in a Victorian Santa Setting.  

Pet'ographique.com


Keeping with our royal image the set will include a Luxurious Purple Tufted Couch and a Tree Trimmed to the NINES with Beautiful Victorian Ornaments.  And the best Santa ever, he's a dog lover, foster Dad and the dogs love him too! 

Portraits are by APPOINTMENT ONLY please call (702) 808-9339 to BOOK YOURS TODAY!  On the day of the event you can pay by CASH or CHECK (made out to the charity).  Prices are 8 x 10 - $30, 5 x 7 - $30
or 8 wallets - $30.  

We will also have a GIANT Raffle Basket that we are still filling: Couture Dog Items, Toys, Restaurant Gift Certificates, Vet Gift Certificates and Human Brag Items! We'll have the basket on display at the boutique soon.

3 PET FOOD/SUPPLY DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

*DONATE 5lbs or more of Pet Food to receive 3 FREE RAFFLE TICKETS!*

SUPPLIES NEEDED:    ~ New or Gently Used ~
Dog/Cat Beds, Crates-All Sizes, Cat/Dog Toys,
Collars/Leashes/Harnesses, Winter Apparel, Dog Blankets.


CAMINO AL NORTE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
5130 Camino Al Norte
North Las Vegas, NV 89031
(702) 304-8387

PET'OGRAPHIQUE
2525 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Suite 150
Henderson, NV 89052
(702) 568-0500

MUGSY & MOXIE'S BULLY COUTURE
420 S. Rampart Blvd.
The Market LV at Tivoli Village
Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 808-9339

RAFFLE TICKETS! $2 each or 3 for $5


You can PURCHASE Raffle Tickets ONLY at Mugsy & Moxie's Bully Couture. We have ONE HUGE Basket we are still filling: Couture Dog items, toys, restaurant gift certificates, Vet gift certificates and human brag items! We'll have the basket on display at the boutique soon.

CHARITIES!
INCRED-A-BULL, COLOSSAL CANINE CARE, C.A.T.S., INC. and CATHOLIC CHARITIES!
Pet food/supplies will be donated to Catholic Charities' Meals on Wheels for our LV Senior Citizens and their pets for Christmas yet again! Our seniors are on a fixed income, have no family, but they LOVE and want to keep their pets! We need YOU to help us get all the Food/Supplies they need to care for their pets this Holiday! 





Please CLEAN OUT YOUR HOUSE... Purchase Pet Food/Supplies and DROP THEM OFF at any of the 3 Locations!

Diamond Cake Features Mugsy & Moxie's and The Market LV


A Las Vegas local boosting retail resurgence strikes again. This time, taking a stretch beyond the typical shopping mall space, a marketplace is determined to set the new standard. The Market LV at Tivoli Village is hoping to fuse a collection of local boutique businesses alongside an urban kitchen and gourmet foods. Totaling 22,000 square feet, it plays hosts to more than 20 individual shops over its two-story space.

The Market LV comes to Vegas by way of Orange County from husband and wife duo Andrea and Russell Young. Their original venture, the OC Mart Mix, reflects their goals for The Market LV: owner operated, one of a kind stores sharing one space for a community like gathering of shopping and dining. With shops already opened, the couple hopes to find the same success here in Las Vegas.

The cornerstone of the venue will come in the form of food, with the bottom floor housing TASTE Eatery & Market. Sourcing local produce, the focus is on simple and fresh food. Up stairs, chef Johnny Church will pave the way with innovative yet affordable dishes in an open, inviting space at the View Wine Bar & Kitchen. It’s sure to be a hit among the Summerlin set with nightly live piano music and the View Wine Bar and Cheese Shoppe.

Around the corner from the canine shopper’s delight, another fashion haven awaits. The target audience still may find them selves less than three feet tall, but expect to hear lots of boisterous giggling in place of loud barks. Fashion Camp LV is where fashionistas are born, or, where youth and adults alike can learn how to sew at the very least. The creative learning space offers after-school programs, day camps and Saturday workshops as well as private events. The retail destination is already popular thanks to the market able all breed dog boutique, Mugsy & Moxie’s Bully Couture. What began online in 2007 to retail the store’s principal apparel line, Bo & DeeMo, The Market LV outlet has expanded to carry accessories and just about anything custom-made any bully dog (or its owner) could want. Co-owner Dee Mounts and the store’s namesake dog, King Mugsy, are ready to assist in all other needs. This is the one stop shop for bully owner fanatics and friends.

Two 20 something ladies leading the way on the second floor of the marketplace may have well been regulars at Fashion Camp LV. Lauren Feather, founder of (Best Kept Secret) Boutique, and Kate Thompson of Cupkates by Kate are setting great examples for the younger, fashionable up and comers. Best Kept Secret, which focuses on “adorable and affordable” clothing and accessories, is Feather’s second boutique. Meanwhile, Thompson has transitioned her passion of baking into a full service cupcake shop complete with tea parties that include princess style dress up parties.
Also, not to be missed at The Market LV is Mina Olive, which concentrates on custom and ready to wear bridal gowns and accessories. The shabby chic space offers a subtle backdrop for the delicate and distinct gowns. River North Design Bar is also in the business of custom designs of which focus on home furnishings and decor from local artists and vendors. Its first location taps a variety of upscale designers to help clients create an urban vibe. Era by Ciara is another top priority if standing out is a must. Summerlin’s first full service makeup boutique is also the first in the valley to promote Lola cosmetics.

Rounding out the shops is Artifact LV a destination that houses American made, environmentally friendly, re-purposed and up cycled furnishings, clothing and other unique products. Nearby is Markie Char Jewelry, which combines gemstones and raw stones to produce organic designs by owner Faith Lozich. And, the final two stores’ namesakes speak for themselves: Chess N Games and B Sweet Candy Boutique. Truly a culmination of what Market LV hopes to offer locals: somewhere sweet to play.
Visit Diamond Cake