Is Your Boutique Worth Its Price Tags?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
There's nothing like shopping at a truly fabulous boutique… and when it's that good, you don't mind making the drive and paying the higher price. But is your personal fave up to snuff? Run down this must-do great-boutique checklist to make sure.
Tailoring on premises Because no matter how beautiful the clothes are, if they don’t fit perfectly, they aren’t beautiful on you.
Ever-changing stuff There’s nothing worse than looking for something styling fresh and seeing last year’s poncho hanging on the back racks.
Truth-tellers Gently tell you the truth and don’t let you leave looking bad – you need to trust your salespeople, not feel like you're a walking commission.
Nicely wrapped purchases You want to feel like you just gave yourself a gift so-nicely wrapped packages with tissue and ribbon are a delightful cherry on top. We're talking guilty pleasures, after all.
Personal touches If you are a regular client, the owner not only knows your name, but your tastes and calls you when something of interest arrives (not to mention notifying you prior to sale events for first looks and first grabs).
Fun thank-yous Look for those creative touches of gratitude for your business - a complimentary pair of Hanky Panky’s, free alterations or a 10% off just because you are a loyal.
Fix-its on the fly Make it right, when something goes wrong. Great boutiques will go to great lengths to make sure you are delighted with your purchase even if it means bending the return rules a bit.
Julie Fenton is a global marketing consultant for some of the world's best and brightest companies. www.thefentongroup.net
