Question 1

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday through Friday until 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays until 5:30 p.m. We are open from noon until 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays.

Question 2

Are you open on holidays?

Accepted Answer

We are typically closed on major holidays due to low customer traffic on these days, but always check our website or give us a call for updated hours of business during holidays or state mandated shutdowns.  If you have made an appointment in advance, we will do our best to honor it.

Question 3

Do you guys sell ready-made clothing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do currently sell a small selection of off the rack items; but starting next year, we will be expanding our selections to include our MICHAEL IJI brand of formal- and designer shirts, skirts, native (Nigerian) wear, vests, neckties, bow ties and other accessories.

Question 4

Are you just an alteration shop?

Accepted Answer

No. Although we do a large amount of alterations on a daily basis, we are much more than that. MICHAEL IJI is a fashion designer first and foremost. Please see our exquisite collection of shirts, bow ties, pocket squares and more on this website.
 
We also offer tailoring and custom design services to our clients.

Question 5

Why can't I access the shopping portal?

Accepted Answer

Some features of the e-commerce portal are not functional at this time because we are working on updates to our pricing and sizing, as well as adding new inventory.
 
Many of our accessories are available now in the online store. You may also purchase gift cards of various values to use or gift to someone special. These gift cards can be used to purchase MICHAEL IJI brand clothing, branding merch or for our tailoring and alteration services.
 
If you are unsure if an item is in stock on our site, just give us a call. We will be more than happy to answer your questions in a more personal way.
 
Meanwhile, please be patient as we do our housekeeping to bring you a better web experience!

Question 6

Do I need a password to shop? What's the benefit?

Accepted Answer

Some areas of our e-commerce portal are for members only. Sign up now to be first to receive future exclusive deals, sneak peeks at upcoming merchandise and new fashions, behind the scenes insight at Michael Iji, tickets to our upcoming fashion shows, video of our runway shows and more!

Question 7

Do you make clothing for women?

Accepted Answer

Yes, indeed!

Question 8

Do you sell clothing in larger sizes?

Accepted Answer

One of the benefits of shopping with Michael Iji is that if you can't find it in our boutique*, we can make it for you!
 
We will be adding customization features to our website in the near future. Then, when you see an item you like but cannot find it in your size, you can customize to your measurements.
 
*This applies to MICHAEL IJI designs only. Imported items from Nigerial, Italy or elsewhere may not be guaranteed to be duplicated with exact fabrics. In these cases, we will likely shop local for fabrics at a reasonable difference in cost and authenticity. But rest assured, we will match it on quality and craftsmanship every time!

Question 9

Where is your boutique located?

Accepted Answer

We service our local clientele at our current design studio location, 1371 Southeast Maynard in downtown Cary NC. But keep your eyes open and ears to the ground to get news of our upcoming surprises! We have a lot of great things in store!

Question 10

Who is Michael Iji?

Accepted Answer

Please see our ABOUT page for more insight into our designer and company president.

Question 11

Are you a small business?

Accepted Answer

We are a small business at the moment, but making big brags! And we have the skills to back it up. Come in for a visit and see what Michael Iji can do!

Question 12

Do your designer shirts cost too much?

Accepted Answer

We like to be as transparent as possible. Our prices are based on the time, fabric(s), execution and skill of our designer(s) in harmony with any haute couture fashion designer with more than 30 years experience in the industry. We are a U.S.-based business with hands on application to every Michael Iji brand garment, not outsourcing to any foreigh country.  Any worker employed with us earns a living wage reasonable for their experience and our locale. We take all these things and more into consideration when setting our prices.  
 
In essence, we bring high-end haute couture runway ready fashions to the local neighborhood with impeccable quality and precision. Our clients expect nothing less than our best. We aim to give them that every time!

Question 13

What makes you different than any other local tailor shop?

Accepted Answer

Before becoming 'Michael Iji', he worked as lead tailor to several local shops. What makes us stand out as different are the multiple facets of our business. We began as an alterations and tailoring shop in name, but we have always been so much more...
 
>  We alter and repair garments based on our customer's needs.
 
>  We custom design clothing based on our or the client's fashion ideas.
 
>  We tailor garments to fit the measurements of our clients.
 
>  We offer our professional advice on accessorizing to highlight our clients' personal styles.
 
>  We successfully work on the sewing projects other local shops reject. Our standing 5-star rating on Facebook, Google and elsewhere shows we are getting it right the majority of the time.
 
>  We have anonymously helped rising fashion designers with limited sewing experience realize their vision by working on exclusive projects for their design lines.
 
>  We have our own line of 'Michael Iji' merch including t-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps, gym bags, beverage flasks, coffee mugs and more.
 
>  We have our own line of 'Michael Iji' designer clothing such as business shirts, formal shirts, evening casual shirts, pants, maxi skirts, tops, vests, ties, pocket squares and more coming soon.
 
>  We are preparing to launch our brand designs in a 2022 fashion show which may very likely include presentation on a New York Fashion Week runway.

Question 14

Why do I see your shop listed at another location?

Accepted Answer

We used to be located on Chatham Street but closed that location in 2015. If you happen to see an old listing online, please feel free to bring it to our attention so we may update our location as soon as possible. Thanks for your assistance in advance!

Question 15

Do you have more than one location?

Accepted Answer

Currently, our address is 1371 Southeast Maynard Road in Cary, NC.
 
We will eagerly provide updates to our customers and clients when / if we plan to move or add a new location.
 
Thank you for being a loyal customer! We appreciate your business.

Frequently asked questions