Everywhere we look, retailers are cutting jobs, reducing store hours, and closing multiple locations, if not closing completely. If this is what the "big guys" are facing, imagine what your favorite local boutique is up against. We have a real opportunity to make every dollar spent count right now. If there were ever a time to rally behind our local businesses, the time is now.
One look at the Orange County Register's OC Retail blog, and it is clear that many shopping options will be no more by the end of the year - or sooner.
Yikes. Target is great and all, but please let's hope there are other shopping options this time next year. So, buy that gift card for your coworker at her favorite boutique. It kills two birds with one stone! If boutique shopping makes you think of snobby shop girls and pricey price tags - fear not. A new and long overdue crop of customer service focused help has arrived at nearly every boutique around - and the prices are noticeably reduced across the board.
Don't forget to support and spread the word about your favorite little boutique - think of it as your own "local boutique stimulus plan" - and yes, you may quote that to your husband when justification is necessary.
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Excellent point (and post)!
ReplyDeleteAnd remember: there are many CUTE boutiques in lower-income areas around Orange County. Many are found in strip-malls and have the word "Fashion" in their name. I've spent years shopping in these boutiques - and constantly been complimented on my wardrobe by women wearing HIGH-END designer labels! This is a great way to build-up a wardrobe without spending a lot of money -- money you can save to purchase a more expensive piece that dresses up a look (i.e. unique pair of shoes; a leather jacket, an awesome blouse that goes with jeans + skirts).
You may not receive the same kind of customer service as you would from the beach boutiques; however, from my experience from being a repeat customer, I've had the sales girls (and even owners) become like personal shoppers - bringing me clothes, putting outfits together for me, even holding aside certain tops they thought would look on me!
And one more thing: you two have done a great service with this blog! Boutiques really do survive on word-of-mouth, and it's wonderful to see you being a voice for so many!