domestic_engineer Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 I'm noticing a rash of Boutique Clothing stores popping up in my area. Can you make a convincing case for why I should shop at a boutique store? In my imagination, I have to get chit-chatty with a storekeeper and they most likely won't have my size or something I like. OR if they do have something that fits that I like, it'll cost an arm and a leg and I'll feel pressured to buy since I had to get chatty with the salesperson. These imaginary scenarios scare the introverted me; is my imagination just running wild? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 You're way overthinking this (and I'm an introvert too). Go in if you see one that looks interesting. If you don't want to buy anything, then smile, say thanks, and leave. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvToRead Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 We have a small ladies' clothing boutique in my small town, and it is wonderful. The are priced very competitively, and the clothes are very cute. It saves me an hour drive to the mall. The selection is small, but she gets news stuff in fairly frequently. I am super introverted too, but I love it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domestic_engineer Posted May 25, 2017 Author Share Posted May 25, 2017 Do you often find something you like and buy in boutique shops? Or is it more hit-and-miss like a consignment store? (Time without children in tow is at a premium.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Yep, you're over thinking it. If you see one that looks appealing, go in and check it out. Or not. Do what feels right for you. And if you don't care for it, you don't have to go back. I'd think of it as a wealth of boutiques popping up, personally, rather than a rash. :) I like supporting small businesses, though. I'm also introverted, FWIW, and if I could do all shopping at home without a store at all - that would be preferable! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 I don't see what this has to do with being introverted. If you walk in, you don't have to be chatty, and you don't have to buy. A while back there was a thread about people who take up a lot of time in small stores, asking questions, trying things on etc., with the express purpose of ordering online and getting the items cheaper. I think some people misinterpreted that to mean that anyone who walks into a small shop has to buy. More and more I want to support small businesses when I can. Often I can't justify the prices. I don't feel any guilt over going into a store and walking out empty-handed. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammyw Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 I really don't love shopping those stores for some of the reasons you mentioned and also because of the return policy - I love Nordstrom's return policy and it usually takes me a little while to decide if I'm going to keep something. A small boutique will often have a super short return policy - 7 days - or even only allow a credit vs a refund. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domestic_engineer Posted May 25, 2017 Author Share Posted May 25, 2017 I don't see what this has to do with being introverted. If you walk in, you don't have to be chatty, and you don't have to buy. Thanks. I probably just need "permission" to not be chatty. 😊 For a variety of reasons, it's been a long time since I've window shopped IRL and am probably rusty on shopping "etiquette." Thanks for the encouragement to shop local! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Pro: distinctive clothes that you're not likely to find at a big chain store Cons: you will pay through the nose and your size may well be all sold out I rarely actually buy anything from boutiques Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domestic_engineer Posted May 25, 2017 Author Share Posted May 25, 2017 Here's another question .... do boutiques typically offer a higher level of help to style you? I think I'm to the point now that I'm ready to ask for help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammyw Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Here's another question .... do boutiques typically offer a higher level of help to style you? I think I'm to the point now that I'm ready to ask for help. If you have Nordstrom near you, they offer free stylist help. So helpful and I love it! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Here's another question .... do boutiques typically offer a higher level of help to style you? I think I'm to the point now that I'm ready to ask for help. Most non-department stores do. I can walk into Jeans West and say "Hi, I hate shopping but if you can send me out of here with jeans I don't hate, you will be my favourite person. Mamma jeans, obviously." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solascriptura Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 I go in such stores but never feel landed to be chatty. If greeted, I say hello. If they ask me if I need help, I usually say that I'm just browsing and will let them know if I want help. The staff have never pushed beyond that, but it could be me. Although I'm a friendly person, I don't give off that vibe. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewber Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 (edited) We have a boutique here that is pushy. I live in a small town and I know people there. I had a really hard time saying no. I walked out with way more than I wanted, but I did return a lot of it. They are helpful, and if I looked better in clothes (IOW, not overweight) I might be more receptive to their suggestions. It's probably me, not them. I have great luck at Nordstrom though. I think I feel more random there so I'm more comfortable with the process. Edited for typos. Edited May 26, 2017 by lewber 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Bunny Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 I was recently in a nearby small town and stopped into a boutique shop. We were going on holiday, I wanted pants that weren't jeans or yoga pants or old lady pants. I spent far more money than I intended, because I finally got up the nerve to try on leggings, and then bought three tops I hadn't planned on. BUT, I am so happy with all those purchases!! And, although I was a bit scared because it was two older ladies working, I got to hear wonderful things like "You cannot possibly have children that are 10 and 12!" and "Your butt looks great in those pants!" Also, they were quite honest when things did NOT look good. Striking up a conversation can do a world of good for your ego :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.