Club Libby Lu
| Industry | Retail |
|---|---|
| Founded | August 2000 |
| Founder | Mary Drolet |
| Defunct | Early 2009 |
| Fate | Liquidation |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Apparel, cosmetics, plush toys, fragrance |
| Parent | Saks, Inc. |
Club Libby Lu was a retail concept focused on providing immersive experiences for girls aged 4 to 12. Established in August 2000 by Mary Drolet, who previously held executive roles at Claire's and Montgomery Ward, the brand expanded to operate 98 outlets across 28 U.S. states before ceasing operations in 2009. The brand’s name was inspired by Drolet’s childhood imaginary companion.
Makeover sessions ranged from $25 to $60 based on selected packages and included hairstyling, nail treatments, and makeup application. Beyond dressing up for the day, participants—referred to as Club Libby Lu VIPs (Very Important Princesses)—were escorted by Club Counselors to various themed stations such as a "potion bar," where they could create personalized lotions, perfumes, fairy dust, or lip gloss. Additionally, the Pooch Parlor allowed guests to select stuffed animals. At the conclusion of each visit, VIPs were invited to join the complimentary club and received a friendship bracelet as a keepsake.
History
Club Libby Lu launched in 2000 at a suburban Chicago shopping center, developed from ideas contributed by Mary Drolet and her two partners. By 2003, when Saks, Inc. acquired the company, it operated 11 stores. The following year saw an expansion to 50 locations. After increased marketing efforts in 2005, annual revenue reached approximately $46 million—a 53% growth compared to the previous year. By 2006, the chain had grown to encompass 87 stores.
In late December 2007, two former patrons of Club Libby Lu—Priscilla Ceballos from Garland, Texas and her then six-year-old daughter Alexis Menjivar—became the focus of national media coverage after Ceballos compelled Alexis to submit a fabricated essay about her father Jonathon Menjivar for a contest offering four tickets to a Hannah Montana concert in Albany, New York. The essay falsely claimed that Jonathon had died in Iraq due to a roadside bomb while serving in the military. During Alexis’s makeover at the Garland store in preparation for the concert, an investigative reporter from ABC affiliate WFAA confronted Ceballos with evidence disproving Jonathon’s military service or death. Following widespread publicity of the incident, Alexis was disqualified and the prize was awarded to another contestant.
In early November 2008, Saks Incorporated announced it would shutter all 98 Club Libby Lu stores citing unfavorable economic conditions.