Quad Citizens Behind the Businesses: Annie Stopulos

Have ya’ll had a chance to meet Annie Stopulos at Theo & Co. yet? She’s one of the newest kids on the downtown block, and we are beyond impressed by her tenacious and perseverant spirit.

After spending six years in Los Angeles working in the apparel industry, she moved to Kansas City to polish her fashion design and consulting skills. She built a strong client base, making custom garments for business professionals and athletes. Eager to settle down and open a place of her own, Annie’s brother Pete presented her with the perfect location for a men’s clothing store downtown. Her story represents one of many in our region – the Quad Citizen boomerang story: She grew up here, left home to spread her wings and returned to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams.

But things haven’t quite gone to plan. The breach of the flood wall in 2019 stalled the store’s opening, and now, a global pandemic is challenging Theo & Co. and retailers across the country. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Annie is hanging tough, building her online presence and turning browsing guests into lifelong customers and friends. It’s a downright cool vibe inside this boutique. Customers are greeted by fluffy little dogs, cold beverages and a personalized shopping experience to make you look and feel your best.

Speaking of looking your best, did you know Jeff Hankins of Gentlemen's Barbershop & Shave Parlor is serving clients from this space!?

Best known for:
Denim and casual wear. Although Theo & Co. offers custom garments and dress wear, denim is the number one selling clothing item. And this isn’t just any denim. We’re talking super soft and comfortable denim that drives most shoppers to buy multiple pairs.

What does she love the most about being downtown?
“I love the people downtown. There is an amazing sense of community you can't get most places. There is this kind of mentality that if one business fails, we all fail because we are all family doing our best to help support each other."

What is the best way you can support this business?
Theo & Co. is all about the in-person experience, so the pandemic has challenged Annie and her team to find new ways to share the thing that makes them so special. They’ve turned to posting videos and more content on their social media platforms to educate customers on products. In addition to launching a virtual shop on Facebook and Instagram, they also offer free local delivery, curbside pickup and private shopping sessions. Whether it's a small gift item or a few clothing items, any purchase helps a small business – especially during these times!

About the Downtown Front Porch Project:

The Downtown Front Porch project is a way to get to know the humans behind the businesses in downtown Davenport. Featuring more than 40 organizations, the images and stories that will be shared are reflective of the energy, passion and resilience of the people that make downtown tick.

“As we all try to navigate a global pandemic, finding ways to connect with our neighbors is more important than ever,” stated Kyle Carter, Executive Director of DDP. “With a year of cancelled events and less foot traffic on the streets, it’s critical that we spend our dollars locally to support the people in our own community. Small, locally-owned businesses are at the center of what makes downtown a special place. This campaign is an opportunity to show the faces of hard-working Quad Citizens and ways the community can rally to support them.”

The goal of the Downtown Front Porch project is to remind people that downtown is vibrant, welcoming and open for business.