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Shopping in boutiques

nicole470

I'm curious to find out from the ladies of the forum.....do you shop in small independant boutiques or mainly in the larger department stores? Or a mix of the two?

I ask this question as I was reading a fashion blog where the blogger said that she and her friend decided to go into the boutiques that they are usually too intimidated to go into, and they were suprised that the boutiques weren't as scary as they first thought.

As the owner of a small boutique myself, I'm interested in the psychology behind this idea that boutiques are perceived as intimidating and pricey when infact this isn't always the case. Ladies, what are your thoughts??

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Beth

marianna

Veteran

I personally don't really go into boutiques because I know they'll never have my size. If I go to a boutique I will mostly look at jewelry/accessories but I honestly don't go out of my way to shop at boutiques. Department stores are more convenient for me. Not sure why.

Megan

Before I moved to a suburb that is has a busy main street, good public transport and a 'cafe culture' type vibe I'd definitely say my shopping was restricted to large department stores or chain stores in malls.

In Australia, most small boutiques are located in the more expensive suburbs and cater to people of a higher socio economic group which helps create the impression that boutiques are exclusive and expensive.

It's only since other areas have become more popular that the idea of small boutiques is starting to change.

nicole470

Marianna, that is how I felt too prior to opening my boutique. Something very interesting that came out of me starting my boutique was when I first opened, I was a plus size boutique, with just one brand that catered for smaller sizes. As I traded, it became very apparent that I had to change my stock, as I had a lot of women in the 10,12, 14 size bracket coming in looking for clothes that are 'different' to what you can get everywhere. One comment I get a lot of is that ladies want something different so that they don't see themselves coming down the street from 100 paces. I only stock a size run of each style for this reason, which is 8 pieces at the most.

Now, I still have a couple of plus size brands, but the majority of my stock is standard sizes. I try to keep the retail price of most of the stock below $100 so that there is something that appeals to everyone, but I am always interested when I see women standing outside the shop peering in, but then don't make the step over the threshold.....the door is wide open too - I hate boutiques where you have to push the door open to come in, now they intimidate me!!

I'm located in the Hunter Valley, NSW, which has a mixture of lower socio economic, middle class and the richer vineyards areas. I really like finding out these sorts of thoughts behind why people choose to shop where they do, so thanks for your input!

Maya

Veteran

I do not shop in small boutiques. I wish I could, but a small boutique in NYC is very different from a charming little shop in NSW. It's definitely intimidating. There was a boutique on the Upper East Side where I used to work where you had to buzz in. Some of them were by appointment only! Talk about intimidating?!?

Of course not all of them are like that, but they are all definitely too expensive regardless. But hey, I felt intimidated by Anne Fontaine, so what do I know. Any store where there is a doorman scares me. I just do not feel welcome, even when everyone is perfectly nice.

The thing that scares me most about small boutiques here, price aside, is the return policy. A lot of things are final sale. Some are exchange only. A lot are very restrictive, like within 7 days. I buy a lot of things to bring home and experiment with them in my closet, so this is really inconvenient for me. Often the owners do not stand by their products, so if something is defective or poor quality, I'm out of luck. I understand why this is so but it doesn't mean I'm willing to overlook it.

Marley

Veteran

I do most of my shopping in local boutiques in the city that I live in. I have learned that that is where you can find unique and affordable pieces that you're not going to see on anyone else. I LOVE shopping in boutiques - and I'm not talking about expensive ones. Most of the ones that I go to are in a 3 city block area in downtown. The prices range from $10 to maybe $125. I really like supporting the local merchants - and anyone who is trying to run their own small business. I also find that the personal relationships you develop with the people working in the boutiques are just so much fun - you develop a sense of community and commonality that you would never experience in a mall or department store! If you haven't tried boutiques, I HIGHLY recommend it!

Marley

Veteran

Maya - I have found that once the boutique owners/personnel get to know you, that they are very lax on the return policies (but then, I'm not talking about NYC - I can't imagine having to buzz to get in!)

marianna

Veteran

The usually short/strict return policy turns me away from boutiques too. Also, if I do need to return something, I usually feel embarrassed to face the shop owner (or the same person I purchased the item from!) I don't feel that kind of intimidation/pressure at a bigger chain store...

But in general, the main reason I don't go to boutiques is because I don't think there will be anything in my size. Your explanation makes sense. It's hard for a boutique to stock a big selection of sizes -- totally understandable!

nicole470

Marley, you are welcome in my store anytime!! I have developed friendships with a lot of my regular customers, and I think a lot of people keep coming back because I am honest with them and will tell them honestly if something doesn't suit them. I obviously have to make a living, but I would rather tell someone that it's not right for them than to lie to them and then have them never come back because I just want to make a sale. Over the last year I have been doing a lot of research into body shapes and what styles suit each type, so that I can steer people in the right direction and make them look the best that they can

I totally agree with you Marley that personal experience is something you just don't get in big stores and something I truly appreciate.

Maya's comment is really interesting as I think Australia doesn't have the same attitude (??? not sure that is the right word, but anyway....) to returning items, I don't think as many people in Australia return things as they do in the US. Our big department stores allow returns, but unless there is a fault with the garment then I have an exchange only policy. I just make sure they love it before they take it home!

Maya

Veteran

I'll shop at independent businesses for other things, especially books and gadgets. I also shop at SOME small businesses for clothes, mainly stores that sell used clothing, but that's it. They are inexpensive enough to justify it.

It's just too much $$$ for me, and too unpredictable in terms of merchandise. Some of them aren't even places I want to shop, truth be told. There is a lot of dowager couture around these parts.

I really like this shop and always pop in to have a look, but even their "inexpensive" store is a bit much. It's a step down from their other stores, which sell Nanette Lepore and Tibi. I need about 3-4 steps down before it becomes accessible...

http://nymag.com/listings/stores/purdy-girl00/

MsMaven

Veteran

I used to shop in boutiques. I loved finding a store that carried clothes I liked wearing. Many of them are gone--replaced by chain stores. There was a place in Los Altos where I bought a couple of dressy dresses just three years ago. I drove there last winter in search of another dress and it was gone. I see new boutiques in some of the smaller towns in Silicon Valley, but I find it easier to drive to the mall now. The recession has definitely taken a toll on small businesses in this area.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I shop at two local boutiques in my home town and many more in Edinburgh. The two I shop in locally are very different, Eden is a small shop, literally crammed with low to mid range high street and boutique labels (Ted Baker, Miss 60, Vila, Criminal). I used to shop there a lot before I had to drastically reduce my budget.

The second store Inis stocks boutique brands and local designers (Noa Noa, Pilgrim, Hobbs & Eribe) and although the clothes are beautiful, I have never been their target market. I did (and still do) heavily shop their jewellery section. Inis has three stores locally and has expanded onto the net. Last week I bought this brooch after seeing it online first
http://www.inisonline.com/prod.....ooch/c-17/

The returns policy for Inis is very similar to shopping the high street. Eden has an exchange only policy. Both shops happily babysit the kids if I want to try an item on (major bonus), both shops offer to put an item aside while I think about it. Both shops notify me of upcoming sales. The High Street in my home town would be much duller without them.

Scarlet

Veteran

Actually a large percentage of my clothing is probably from a boutique. I am not a good shopper--easily overwhelmed, so I like the edited selections that are easy to browse. I also like being able to find more unique items and developing relationships with the owner/sales staff. I like being integrated into a community in that way. I come from a small city with a lot of cute boutiques in the downtown area, not necessarily $$ but it's not Target either. I have returned defective merchandise without a problem--happened once.

Nicole - would it be possible to set up a friendly website so that people could check out your store in a "safe" way first? My guess is people probably assume it is too expensive or are just intimidated by fashion. Also if you put a rack of clothing on the sidewalk it might encourage people to check it out and maybe come inside. My city used to have a sidewalk sale day once a year, and I think it was a great idea to get ahold of people who don't make it through the door.

nicole470

Thanks everyone for your input, it's always interesting to hear different women's thoughts. Scarlet, I do have a rack out on the footpath with discounted stock, and I always make a big effort with my windows to make them look pretty and appealing. I do have a blog, but it hasn't been updated in ages, so that's something I really need to look at taking up again. It mainly got neglected because of my own attitude, I didn't think I had anything to say that was of interest to anybody, and I kind of lost my way.

But it is nice to hear that you like shopping in boutiques for the exact reason that I am trying to cultivate, the personable, individual attention that you get from independant boutiques. I will never be able to compete with the big department stores and chain stores on volume of stock and choice, but what I do have and what I think a lot of boutiques have is that well edited, unique range of stock that allows you to get something unique to add to your wardrobe. I shop chain stores, thrift stores, Ebay and big department stores as much as I do my own shop! I think that is all part of the fun of putting together a killer wardrobe, and I am still on my journey with that one!!

Thank you everyone!

Dawn

(website)

I don't really shop at boutiques. Most boutiques in my city are aimed at an older age group or are out of my budget. The only boutique I shop at is my local vintage and crafts shop, but that is for special treats only.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

At home in Tahoe I do sometimes, but only because we don't have chain stores. I actually don't like the extra attention. It makes me nervous. I want to browse and touch and whatnot at my own pace. It's not helpful to me if they ask a lot of questions trying to assist me. I'm not that kind of shopper. On the other hand, I can navigate a Ross and find the needle in the haystack with no problem. It drives other people crazy but I kinda like it. All the shirts are together, the dresses together, etc. So given my preference, I go for discount stores with designer labels. TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Marshall's, Ross. The only chain I regularly go in is Target lol!

celia

Veteran

I have a diferent experience on this one.
I'm from Portugal and when I was there I loved to shop in small boutiques, because of the relationship, the advice, and the whole experience of being pampered, even in small boutiques where the price range was not very high.
In Europe people don't return items as much as in the US and Canada but even so whenever I didn't like something I would exchange it with no problem at all.
Now that I live in Canada I still prefer to shop in smaller stores but they are chain stores like GAP or Esprit because the quality of what I can find in the medium priced boutiques is not very good.
That I've came across there is one small boutique that has beautiful clothes and their manequins on the windows are always styled acording to the latest trends.I love to go there even if it's just to browse.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Nicole-
Yes, we have a very different view of returning here in the US. Most stores allow at least 60 days for a full refund.
Count me as another "peer in the window" gal. I am intimidated by boutiques because of my perception of what the prices will be like. I also see most boutiques as "specialty" stores that don't carry clothing that suits my mom-on-the-go lifestyle. If I do venture in and the first few items I pick up have a price tag that equals my monthly grocery budget, I feel like I don't belong in this store and smile politely and meander out. One can only subject herself to this so many times and so it's easiest to just avoid the whole scenario in the first place.

I feel convicted though by your post to give boutiques a second chance, so I'm going to commit to a day of "boutique shopping" sometime in the near future and report back to you!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I live in West Seattle and we have some great boutiques as well as a shoe store. I love shopping them; the brands are the same as what dept stores carry, but the edit is different, so it's always interesting. Each shopkeeper has her own vibe that comes through in the selection. I do wish the boutiques would show their merchandise online. The shoe shop does, and I love to preshop. I'm more likely to come in and BUY if I'm excited about something I saw online because Im already prepared to spend the money. Also it let's ppl preview your prices so they aren't too shy to browse. I think having pics ( even on a mannequin), and prices online (even if you didn't actually sell online) would be better for business than a blog. Just my two cents.

lynne

Veteran

I've become braver in the past few years and ventured into some boutiques that have become favorites. I'd like to find one in the Tucson - Green Valley Arizona area. Anyone?

MsMary

Veteran

I've always avoided boutiques because I didn't think they'd have my size. Now that I'm slimmer, this thread has inspired me to maybe test the waters a bit.

Unless the consignment store counts as a "boutique," in which case I am a regular boutique shopper already!

Kari

Veteran

Sometimes I do, but not very often. Most of the time when I'm shopping in a boutique, I'm looking for jewelry or scarves, or other accessories - something unique and different, and often handmade. I have an easier time seeing how accessories will fit into my existing wardrobe at home as opposed to purchasing shoes or clothes, which I'll need to try with all of my other items before I decide whether to keep them.

I tend to shop for clothes mostly at department or chain stores because I have a VERY hard time coercing myself to buy something at full price - I inherited my parents' preference to wait and scope out a "good deal" from a sale or a discount. It's harder to come by these deals in boutiques probably because the larger stores can afford to take a larger markdown on their product. I also gravitate towards stores with flexible and generous return policies, and am concerned when an item is considered "final sale" or will be a hassle to bring back.

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

I'm a plus size so it is nearly impossible to shop in a boutique. I can list maybe five nationwide so it is off to the mall for me.

MsMary

Veteran

There used to be a great plus-size boutique here in town. I shopped there years ago when I was plus-size and I loved it. The ladies were so nice and the clothes were fab and not too expensive.

Now I wish I could find a great petite boutique!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Sometimes. My favorite shoe store is a boutique, but it's not cheap. They have brands that I couldn't get except for online.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Interesting Thread!

As a fellow Aussie - I live in Central Queensland - I have to say I'm not a boutique shopper for a few reasons. (I'm basing this on my tiny local town, and the bigger one 45mins away that I go to regularly).

* Parking - I can only think of 1 boutique between the 2 towns where its easy to park nearby! The others are all in really difficult to park areas and considering I have limited time to shop, if I can't park close by, I don't shop there.

* Price - I simply can't afford to shop in the local stores. They mostly stock higher end brands (like Lisa Ho as an example) and even on massive sale I can't afford them! There are a couple that stock cheaper stock, but I seem to be drawn to the more expensive stuff so I get depressed because I have champagne tastes on a watered down beer budget!!!

* Feeling like I "don't fit in/belong" - the ladies in my local boutiques ooze that effortless, calm, style - and I'm usually in a rush, feeling somewhat harried between chores! Having said that though, I am CRAVING that calm, relaxed, peaceful style, so perhaps once both cherubs are at school next year I may be able to enjoy that "vibe".

* Trading Hours - probably only a local issue here - I live in a coastal community and most smaller shops don't open til 10am and it just doesn't coincide with the best time for me to shop (immediately after the kindy drop off at 8.45am LOL).

But, now that I'm more interested in accessories, I feel more inclined to perhaps venture in occasionally to at least look at them...

My baby brother is on his way to the Hunter Valley for work for the next couple of months - I should make him stop by your store and buy his girlfriend and I some goodies LOL

nicole470

Theresa, tell your brother to pop by, would love to meet him! My shop is called Pretty Birdy, located at 105 Vincent St, Cessnock.

I must agree that I don't usually go into most boutiques, mainly because as a plus size they don't have anything in my size. But I do go in to look at jewellery and shoes. But as I own a shop, I try to wear as much from my own shop so that people can see things on a real body, rather than on a mannequin. So this has been a great eye opening thread that I truly appreciate everyone's opinion on. Thanks!!

Beth

Veteran

In our small city there is a an area of town that's chock full of small boutiques that cater to the young and hip crowd. There's also several boutique shops in the very small but sophisticated town my parents live in. I do like to check them out and on occasion, I shop there as well.

The vast majority of my shopping is is departments stores, though. Mostly because of geographic convenience and the wide selection. It's also partially the return policies. Although I don't return often, you just never know and I do like having that flexibility.