Fashion Boutiques vs. High Street Fashion. Why should you support local?

Everyone loves clothes shopping and for different reasons. Some do it for a little retail therapy and other’s do it because they want to be ahead of the fashion trends. One thing we can all agree on though is there’s no greater feeling than finding a little hidden gem.

Fashion boutiques are the best place to find these as you’re sure to find something that makes you stand out from the crowd. High street, mainstream retail may seem more convenient for many – and that’s ok – but boutique fashion provides excitement when looking for that unique shopping experience.

We have already discussed the 12 advantages of fashion boutiques in a previous blog but today we want to talk about the main differences between boutique and high street.  

Relationship Building

High street shops will sell you a dress but they won’t sell you an experience. Long queues and messy shop floors are notorious on the high street and staff may not have time or energy to provide you with a bespoke service where they advise on what style or colour suits you. For fashion boutiques, this is exactly why we are in the market. We are passionate about ensuring you have the best outfit to make you feel your best.

Our aim is to build a relationship with you and provide a service where you walk away with a smile on your face and personalise your service so you know you are special.

Be Different

If you’re going on a special night out, a wedding party or even your own birthday party, you want to stand out from the crowd and turn people’s heads with your outfit. In the high street shops, there is a good chance that other people on your night out will be wearing the same outfit.

With fashion boutique shopping, we don’t want you to look like the mannequin. We want you to find something eye-catching that is literally a piece of art.

Yavi, for example, uses ancient Indian hand-painting techniques and luxurious materials, like velvet and silk, they have created a stylish collection of traditional clothing, with a modern, oriental twist.

Save The Planet

Costs can be lowered by outsourcing labour to large overseas factories where workers are paid below what they deserve. The high street focuses on large scale production to distribute across the country. On the other hand, fashion boutiques are all about sustainable practices. The focus for us is on quality products that are eco-friendly.

Many boutique brands are environmental pioneers and use techniques and materials that aren’t harmful to the environment. From My Mother’s Garden, for example, uses environmentally responsible fabrics and techniques wherever possible.

Another example is Owen Barry Bags who only use locally sourced trimmings and other environmentally friendly materials. Along with this they carefully select British and European skins, showing that you can be environmentally friendly and trendy.

Another great by-product of this is the exclusivity factor. Boutiques will create a handful of products compared to high street retailers creating thousands, meaning that if you’re wearing a boutique product then there’s less chance someone you know will have the same one.

Quality over Quantity

Similarly, to the previous point, fashion boutiques provide clothing that is of a greater quality, meaning that they will last longer. High Street fashion – and particularly fast fashion – will lead to a high turnover of clothes as your outfits may become worn and run down after only a couple of wears.

Fashion boutiques, on the other hand, use quality materials and generally have a high level of craftsmanship and beautiful finishes.  You can then be sure that the outfits you obtain will last for a lifetime as opposed to a month or two. Due to the quality of the products, they may even have a resale value in the future meaning that you are not only making a purchase but an investment.

Supporting Your Community

Over the past 2 years, many people and businesses have had a hard time for various different reasons. This has seen customers moving towards supporting local businesses and away from using retail giants. Fashion boutiques are no different. Normally, these boutiques are a small team of people who are passionate about fashion and also want to give back to the local economy and community.

If you shop local then you are not only supporting small businesses but you’re supporting your local community.

We’re not saying that there is anything wrong with high street retailers, they provide a solution to a need but what we’re asking is for you to consider fashion boutiques. Sustainably shopping and supporting people in a tough time is what fashion boutiques do. Alongside this, boutiques are passionate about making you feel your best and finding the perfect products and brands for you. We are happy when you are happy.

To find the perfect brands for you, come and see what new products we have or if you have any questions contact us today.