Have you ever been somewhere and across the room you see someone wearing the same clothes as you? It's kinda the worst. That happens because you're shopping at chain stores and not boutiques. At a boutique, you get hand-picked products that are higher quality and unique to that store. Boutiques carry a smaller stock than big-box retailers, they’re able to keep up with the latest trends, because they switch out inventory more frequently. This also provides an opportunity for you to give feedback and suggestions on items that you want to see in the boutique!

One of the best perks of shopping at small boutiques is the personal relationships that can come of it! There’s an opportunity to meet the owners behind the business and to hear their story. Since boutiques usually get less foot traffic than larger retailers, the employees really get to know their customers and develop relationships with them. They’ll know your likes, your dislikes, and your personal style, making it easier to find pieces that you really love.

When you shop at a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance! Shopping at big retailers supports a corporation, while a small business purchase helps support the individual's dream. Smaller businesses also provide unique shopping experiences and tend to be more focused on making connections with their customers.

Shopping at boutiques also helps your local economy! Local businesses pay taxes to your local government, while big businesses contribute almost nothing to the local economy. Small, local businesses also create more than half of the jobs in the U.S. while bigger retailers usually outsource a lot of their employment overseas.

Next time you head out shopping, shop boutique! Who knows, you might even find your new favorite place to shop! Just like a lot of boutiques, Bella Ella has an online store, so you can shop from the comfort of your own home.