About 74,000 fashion boutiques are up and running in the US and if the style is your game, boutiques should be your favorite playing field!
Anyone can head to a major retailer and pick up seasonal, trendy pieces. These retailers are open all over the country, sell the same clothing nationwide, and have the power to advertise just about everywhere.
Finding a fantastic boutique allows you to step up your fashion game and show off your keen eye for all things stylish. It will remind you of why you love shopping in the first place!
So, what’s a boutique and why should you shop there? Great questions! Read on to find out the answers.
What’s a Boutique?
First, let’s take a look at what a major retailer is to get a sense of comparison. A major retailer is a chain operation with large, warehouse-sized stores. You can find these stories in every state, if not every city and large town.
A boutique, on the other hand, is one of a kind.
The stores are smaller and so is the collection of clothing. Rather than having rack after rack of the same line, boutiques may have two or three of each piece at most. The staff is smaller and tends to have a serious passion for and knowledge of the products they are helping to sell.
While there’s nothing wrong with shopping major retail, it can’t quite beat shopping at a boutique. Keep reading to find out our favorite benefits of shopping in these small, unique shops.
Benefits of Boutique Shopping
Still not sure what the big deal is about these little shops? We’ll have you sold in no time!
1. Find Unique Pieces
Staying in style is one thing but what about setting the trend? Imagine being one of only two or three people in your area to own a certain jacket, dress, or blouse. If you shop at a boutique, this dream can become a reality.
Boutique owners are constantly on the hunt for unique, gorgeous pieces to bring into their shop. From there, it’s up to you to pick the pieces that are calling your name and learn how to style them in a way that will really pop! There’s nothing as satisfying as receiving compliments for an outfit that tons of people didn’t purchase off a mannequin.
2. Shop Carefully Curated Collections
As we mentioned earlier, boutique owners seek out fashion staples that catch their eye and that fit in with their boutique. These collections are carefully curated which means that when you find a boutique you love, you’ve found a shopping home for life!
Some boutiques even specialize in one type of clothing or accessory. For example, once you start looking, you’re certain to find shoe boutiques and even blouse boutiques. In some cases, you may discover, for example, dress boutiques that have opened up their line to include other pieces that still fit the boutique owner’s vision.
3. Purchase High-Quality Clothing
Have you heard the term, “fast fashion?” Fast fashion refers to clothing that was produced quickly and inexpensively. It is designed to respond to immediate, specific trends but is not built to last.
Because fast fashion has grown in popularity, we’re seeing a dip in quality in the world of retail. Clothing is thin or the seams aren’t even. Pieces don’t last for more than a few wears before they lose their color, shape, or appeal.
Boutiques don’t go in for fast fashion. They look for clothing that is not only luxurious but is built to last. Say goodbye to cheap polyester and poorly aligned seams and say hello to gorgeous, durable fabrics and a shape that will never wear or wash out!
4. Sales are Hard to Beat
Fast fashion tends to be cheap which is part of the draw. While you may see higher price tags at a boutique, you’ll also find phenomenal sales.
Do some scouting and pick out your favorite boutiques in the area. Follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter to find out when they’re having sales. Because boutiques have limited space, they’ll slash prices at a jaw-dropping rate when they’re ready to clear out the collection they have to make room for new surprises!
5. Support Your Local Economy
Boutique owners tend to open their stores because they are passionate about fashion and about their community. Small business owners have to work much harder to stay afloat because they’re not a national household name. Dips in sales cause more trouble and every purchase counts.
If you want a totally unique shopping experience but also want to cut some of the corporations out of your life, consider shopping at some of the boutiques in your area. This is a great way to guarantee that your love of shopping is pouring money directly back into the town or city you love!
Happy Shopping
We hope you’re no longer asking, “What’s a boutique?” and have started asking, “Where do I find one?” There are tons of reasons to hit the boutiques in your area before heading for the major retailers. Not only will you have an unforgettable shopping experience but you’ll receive compliments on your style choices for years to come!
Do you love skincare and haircare as much as you love fashion? What better way to boost your fashion than to create a fantastic canvas for every piece? Bookmark our page to stay on top of the latest news in skincare, haircare, wellness, and more.