Lara Heath Allen, owner of Ecco, opened a small boutique on College Street in 1992. After spending nearly fifteen years at an expanded location on Church Street, Ecco has found its new home on the corner of Church and Bank Street. With its expanded location, Ecco carries an even larger selection of the hottest designers and now has a full men’s department. “Growing up here, I always felt like Burlington was missing something. I envisioned a store that brought the latest fashions and current styles, the type of boutique you would find in New York City.” Today you’ll find the latest denim, the most beautiful dresses, and tons of great tops, sweaters and shoes at Ecco. Ecco has everything you need from designers such as 7 for all Mankind, BCBG Max Azria, Citizens of Humanity, Velvet, Ella Moss, Rock and Republic, Juicy, and James Perse. You want it Ecco has it. Ecco is proud to have the best sales associates in Burlington. People rave about how friendly, fun and fashion conscious they are. They’ll help you find whatever you’re looking for. “Ecco has endured success above and beyond my wildest imagination. Thank you everyone for making Ecco your favorite store!”

Jennifer Schroeder
Manager / Buyer

One early evening in the fall of 1996, the owner of Ecco walked into Bruegger’s Bagels to buy her dinner. She mentioned in passing that she owned Ecco, and, as I finished making her sandwich, cried out “Ecco? I love that store! You’re so lucky.” To that she offered, “Want a job?” My name is Jennifer and I’ve been at Ecco for 12 years. I started as part-time help in high school, worked full time all through college, and returned in 2005 to manage and buy for the store. I was married in the same year to my magnificent husband, Alec Schroeder. We just had a gorgeous little girl in February of 2008 and named her Evelyn Greene Schroeder. Our time is spent parenting, working, and fixing up our old house in St. Albans (and sleeping when we can!).

Working at Ecco is the job for me because I love the women with whom I spend each day. Putting on the clothing that you’ve chosen to represent who you are is something we do everyday, and I think it’s important. Contrary to what people may think about Ecco, it’s not about spending thousands of dollars on a designer wardrobe. It’s about carefully chosen, unique pieces that represent quality over quantity. Making someone feel good about them self has little to do with price, and everything to do with a flattering fit. So many women feel like they don’t “deserve” nice jeans, and I say, yes you do. Talking someone into treating themselves to something they love isn’t about labels, it’s about deserving a little luxury and spending a little bit of that hard-earned money on number one!

Erin Brennan
Store Manager / Website Manager

I started working at Ecco as a sales associate four years ago when I moved back to Vermont from Montreal. I started part-time and am now full-time and in charge of our new website! Ecco has been a perfect fit for me. I LOVE denim and I am obsessed with all the new styles we receive everyday. I have to have anything with a funky wash or a unique pocket. The best part about working here, in addition to all the beautiful jeans and clothing that I’ve accumulated since I’ve started, is that I’m working with some of the most beautiful, smart, and hilarious girls around!

I’m originally from Vermont but in 2000 I moved to Montreal to study Business at Concordia University. In 2002 I took a semester off and traveled to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji for 6 months. This experience sparked my interest for travel and I’ve made it my life goal to travel to each continent at least once (with the exception of Antarctica, experiencing Canadian winters is more than enough for me!). In addition to my Down Under Experience, I’ve visited Canada, Mexico, France, Dominican Republic, Argentina and South Korea.

When I’m not at Ecco, you can find me doing some of my most favorite things: eating out, moon walking to Michael Jackson, or booty shaking to M.I.A.!

Fun Fact: While traveling in New Zealand, I went Zorbing and jumped out of an airplane at 12,000ft!

Erin Leighton
Store Manager/ Charitable Donations

I began working as a full-time sales associate at Ecco in November of 2007, however I have worked in retail for a few years now. I have loved working here so far, I have met a great group of girls who are incredibly fun to work with and I have become fast friends with them all. Besides working with these great girls I would have to say that the fantastic clothing is my favorite aspect of Ecco. Designer denim, super cute heels, cashmere sweaters and every color pashmina are just the beginning to our wide-ranging collection. I especially love the fact that we carry petite cut denim by Joes Jeans, Seven for all Mankind and Citizens of Humanity, because I’m really short.

I am originally from Maine and was working as a manager at Abercrombie and Fitch after graduating from college with a degree in psychology. While working for Abercrombie I traveled around helping out different Abercrombie stores around New England. While helping out in Burlington, Vermont in 2006 I was asked if I would be interested in opening the Hollister that would be going in to the town center in the next couple of months. I was really excited at the opportunity to open a new store and also to live in Burlington, which I had visited many times and absolutely adored. So as soon as I returned home I packed up my things to turn around and drive right back, but this time for much longer. I have lived in Burlington for about a year and a half now and fell in love with the little city. However I am still not good with directions about anything that is not directly downtown, so you may want to ask one of the other girls, anyone but me really.

Things that I am most commonly seen doing while not at Ecco include, sleeping-in, cleaning my apartment, working out at Core Studio or the YMCA, drinking tea at Dobra with “The Hip”, and eating all snacks in sight…well actually I can be seen doing that at Ecco as well.

Fun Fact: I totally love Madonna and I can solve the Rubik Cube in less than 2 minutes.

Danielle Diarbakerly
Manager/ Website Manager

I began working at Ecco after transferring to UVM from Boston University two years ago. I have held various positions including visuals merchandiser and website manager.

Amina Srna
Sales Associate / Master Vacuum Technician

I started working for Ecco at the tender age of fifteen meaning that I was essentially raised in a jungle of True Religion and James Perse. My favorite part of Ecco, aside from the clothing, would have to be my beautiful co-workers who always make working a little bit more fun and the customers who love our clothes as much as I do. I would like to point out that we don't earn our pay based on commission, we're simply just helpful people who know our merch!

Fun Fact: I have a terrifying phobia of kneecaps and heights.

Alex Cota
Sales Associate

I have worked at Ecco since November 2007. I absolutely love working here. I started out as an intern for my graduation challenge, although recently became a part-time employee. Constantly surrounded by the amazing clothes, I find it hard not to buy everything in the store for myself. I am no queen of the vacuum machine, but I have found myself a natural talent in bringing boxes out. It is something I have found myself rather good at, along with matching my outfits with the mannequins!

Fun Fact: I have 21 winter jackets (I just counted to reassure myself!)

Shannon Moody
Buyer

When I was 16 my very best friend got a job working at Ecco. I begged and begged the owner to hire me, too, but she resisted claiming that Jenny and I would never be able to work together and still take the job seriously. Six months later I was hired by another boutique. Not long after I received a call from Lara asking me if I would like to come and work for her after all. That was 11 years ago and Jenny and I have been working together (successfully!) since then.

Although I love working in the store and with customers, my favorite part of my job is definitely going to the trade shows in New York City. I started buying for the store in 2000 and I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity. I can’t imagine a better job than shopping for a whole stores worth of merchandise. I love seeing how the clothing trends are changing from season to season. Watching the store grow over the years has been amazing. I am really proud of Ecco’s success and that my vision has been a part of it!

Usually when I am not at the store I can be found sleeping on my couch or snuggling my new dog, a 6 year old, ex-racing greyhound. My finance and I adopted her in November and have been happily fattening her up ever since.