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Trillium Fine Clothing For Women - Meet longtime owner Helen Chase
Trillium, a women’s clothing store, has a long history in Mt. Pleasant. Established in 1947 as Marianne’s, it has moved and been renamed twice by three different owners. It is the longest existing Mt. Pleasant store for women’s clothing.
When high school friends Helen Chase and Shirley Helber purchased it in 1981, it was named Mr. Charlie’s. The store was remodeled in 1984 and decided a new look deserved a new name, becoming Trillium. Shirley retired in 1999, and Helen has been the sole owner for 24 years.
Their business card describes the three-petal flower as, “a Michigan wildflower that is soft and delicate, yet hearty and outdoorsy, and survives the extremes of the Michigan climate with beauty and grace. We think it represents the essence of the Michigan woman.”
The store continues to offer a casual to dressy curated selection of denim, sportswear, dresses, coats, accessories, and the full line of Estee Lauder, in an atmosphere of personal service. Shoppers are happy to see Liverpool, Vera Bradley, Eileen Fisher, Tribal, Brighton, Joseph Ribkoff, Elliott Lauren, and Karen Kane among the updated traditional look.
The term “personal customer service” is not taken lightly. Chase believes that “We are in business because of our loyal customers. We welcome the opportunity to help with honest advice. Our goal is for happy customers to enjoy and love what they purchased and to return."
There is a good chance that many customers of Trillium have been there long before they were customers, having visited as children with their mother or grandmother. Multiple generations have relied on Trillium for personal selections and gift-wrapped boxes to give.
“Many four-generation families have shopped with us”, states Helen.
She believes that “The best part of this business is the relationships that are built over many years, Weddings, graduations, trips, jobs, gifts, and celebrations that are shared through clothing and conversations have established long friendships.”
Helen is a graduate of both Sacred Heart and CMU. She has been a member of the Zonta Club for 50 years, a founding officer of the Downtown Business Association, served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Downtown Development Board. Her passions are music, reading, and genealogy research
She has one husband, two children, three grandchildren, and yes, a pandemic pup.
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