Shopping is one of America’s favorite pastimes. The overall experience wakes up all your senses and simply makes you happy. There’s something about the sights and sounds of walking into a specialty boutique that is different than shopping in big box and national chains. It’s all about the overall experience with the goal of finding something perfect for you or someone special.
What is a boutique? A boutique is a small, local specialty retail shop that is usually owned by an entrepreneur or small business owner who is passionate about the product mix they sell. Boutiques usually feature creative and eye-catching displays, one-of-a-kind designs, a welcoming and customer service- oriented atmosphere and one-on-one personalized service. Here are six top reasons you should shop at a boutique:
Boutiques are local and run by a small business owner
People like to do business with people they know, like and trust. A small boutique business supports their community while fulfilling their personal passion and dreams. A small boutique business also provides jobs, puts tax dollars back into the local economy and adds personality to a business district. When you shop locally, you help hardworking, passionate business owners, your neighbors keep their doors open and provide a special service to the community. In addition, unlike national big box chains and franchises, small boutique owners volunteer, provide valuable in-kind hours and donate to local nonprofit organizations. This support strengthens the entire local economy and is a win-win for the community and the boutique owner.
Boutiques feature eye-catching displays
Unlike most large, big box chains with shelves full of the same thing, boutiques are famous for their charming and eye-catching displays. These displays, created with unusual, eye-catching props, usually include multiple products sold in the store. These beautiful displays are fun to look at, add charm to the store, and provide customers with different ideas and uses for a variety of products. Displays offer the customer an enjoyable shopping experience. They are colorful, cheerful and fun. For example, a clothing boutique may display an entire outfit or look with multiple clothing, handbags, and accessories, all available in the store. The same boutique may also sell throw pillows and home accessories like fragrance items, picture frames and tumblers. They will create displays with ideas how to package them together and present them as thoughtful gift ideas.
Boutiques offer one-of-a-kind designs
Because they are passionate about their business, boutique owners showcase an interesting, creative product mix. Everything they add to their store was personally selected by them. Boutiques are usually an extension of the owner’s individuality and personality. They are offering a shopping outing that is full of new ideas. In addition to products provided by a variety of wholesalers they have carefully vetted, they have the ability to carry products created by local artisans and craftsmen. Small businesses and locally owned boutiques carry items that are linked specifically to your community. These products can be exclusive, one-of-a-kind designs like handcrafted jewelry or original paintings or specialty items like local sports team or school fashions and memorabilia. These products complement the product mix and provide customers and collectors with specialty items. Boutiques stand out in a crowded big box store environment and provide something new and different to see every time a customer visits the store, whether you’re shopping for Simply Southern tops, tchotchkes, or unique event decor.
Boutiques Offer One-on-One Personalized Customer Experience
Smaller businesses with smaller stores are more intimate than big box stores and chains. The folks who opened a boutique are very passionate about their product mix. They continually research their industry, keep up with the latest trends, and are inspired to want you to enjoy them as much as you! Customers enjoy learning how to use different products or how to create an outfit and boutique owners are ready to show them how. They walk in and the owner and employees are familiar with every item in the store and can personally assist the customers. Customers have the opportunity to chat and explain what they are looking for, or who they are shopping for. This valuable relationship building and one-on-one personalized service creates a fun and satisfying shopping experience.
Boutiques Are in the People-to-People Business
Boutiques offer people a place to shop alone, with friends, and to have an enjoyable, memorable experience. Shopping at a cold, unfriendly big box store is simply a task, to park, run in, find what you need, stand in line at the register and pay for your items. We call that a chore! Boutiques offer customers a friendlier, personal atmosphere, to leisurely wander around, explore, and enjoy the view. Whether you find something to buy is secondary to the overall pleasant visit. Events like Small Business Saturday and special collaborative events encourage people to shop locally and support those who are in the people business.
Boutiques Offer Online and Brick-and-Mortar Experiences
Brick and mortar boutique’s online presence is an important part of a well-designed marketing strategy. The overall boutique experience may start with a visit to their website, social media platform or YouTube video. This may be the first place a customer is introduced to and learns about a boutique. Then, they will visit the brick-and-mortar location to see even more. This provides all types of customers with options to learn about a boutique’s unique product mix, read customer reviews and even place an order for delivery or to pick up at the store later.
