Imagine a company whose merchandise and service are so good, it creates a demand for its own product.

Since 1976, when Exotica started in a motel room in Bamberg, South Carolina, this 2002 Small Business person of the Year Runner-Up and her husband have slowly built a dynasty.

One of the oldest family-owned businesses in the Midlands at 30 years, this Columbia retailer, which sells ladies' fine apparel and accessories, offers unrivaled customer service. They understand that customers expect stores to have an exciting merchandise mix, that stores have to look good, and that the pricing and selection of products on the racks must be diversified. Exotica realizes that consumers today expect to have it all.

Housed in a 10,000-square-foot building on Highway 378, Exotica's contemporary look may seem pretentious to some. But if you look past the building's extravagance, you will see a structure carefully designed to portray Exotica's power, showcase its hipness and signal a democratic workplace.

Clothing companies generally insist their clothes be timeless, but few actually select their product on their company's strong sense of self. Exotica's unwillingness to compromise has made it hot. The company's clothes, shoes and accessories are not faddish. They represent distinctive design with a comfortable twist and a wink. And every day, more and more people are putting on their garments and winking right back.

In the know-about new developments in the field, new preferences among customers, and new ways to reach people and to measure results-Exotica's buying is carefully planned at major markets with loyal customers in mind. Long celebrated for its over-the-top commitment to its clients, the company searches for unique styles and beautifully tailored quality attire to stay ahead of the competition.

In any economy dominated by design, and in an industry propelled by design hype, Exotica is neither the largest ladies' and men's apparel company nor the most visible. But it's arguably one of the most unusual and hottest apparel companies in the state.

Exotica outfits ladies in scarves, belts, handbags, jewelry, suits, dresses and sportswear. The company, which is known for its mother-of-the-bride dresses, also sells and women's sportswear, luxury suits and sports coats, trousers, designer shirts, specialty leather jackets, pants, sweaters and cardigans as well as stylish casual wear.

Exotica International began in Bamberg, South Carolina in 1976 as a unique gift boutique housing a selection from many countries around the world. Apparel was added in 1980 upon the first expansion thus creating a free standing 3,250 square foot location.

After two more expansions, Exotica relocated to Orangeburg, SC into 7000 square foot location housing unique men's and ladies apparel and accessories. Clientele was drawn from a 200 mile radius and shipping was provided for customers all along the East Coast.
2000 marked a final move to its largest location of 10,000 square feet in Columbia, SC. It has been heralded as one of the finest, most beautiful boutiques along the Eastern Seaboard by industry professionals and continues to strive for unique, quality apparel with an approach to style and education for its discriminating clientele.

By launching the website, the services and selections of this unique boutique are now within the reach of everyone who values their investment in quality wardrobe and care about their image in any environment exuding confidence.