Shop Local- Spend the Week Exploring Your City
July 10, 2014
By Brian Maynor
‘Shop Local’ is an established movement with clear benefits from helping the local economy to obtaining artisan goods, and with the Palmetto Tasty Tomato’s Restaurant Feast kicking off today it is the perfect time to talk about all things local.
Even with all of the benefits of shopping locally, it is not without its challenges, especially when it comes to clothing boutiques. Here are some of my favorite tips for shopping locally or shopping like a local:
1. Talk to people. Word of mouth is a great way to learn about local options and to get recommendations. It is also the best way to overcome one of the most common challenges to shopping locally, knowing where to go. Often nestled in neighborhoods and smaller shopping districts, local shops can be hard to discover without direction.
2. Go online. I don’t mean for e-commerce, but rather local blogs and publications. Since most local boutiques have limited websites, and there is no central index, figuring out where to go can be time consuming or feel overwhelming. Fortunately you have a virtual army at your fingertips. Local publications and blogs are great resources for discovering the ‘hidden treasures’ of your city.
Once you find your new favorite spots be sure to follow them on social media. You certainly don’t want to miss a flash sale, new inventory alert or special event.
3. Give yourself enough time. Shopping local boutiques is not like running into a big box store where you can be in and out in 20 minutes. Since these stores tend to be specialty shops checking off all the items on your list will take some time, but that is part of the experience.
4. Don’t get frustrated. Another common challenge I hear about shopping local boutiques is that they only cater to a very small portion of the demographic. As frustrating as this may be it is the nature of small business and one you just have to accept. The only way boutiques can succeed is to be very selective and focused on their target customer. Finding a local store that carries a specific style or brand may take time, but if you’re open to alternatives you may find more possibilities than you originally thought.
5. Local means different things. There are two main types of local shops: ones that feature products produced by local craftsmen and ones that are locally owned but sell name-brand products. Regardless of the type of local store, they both have the same goal: providing exceptional customer service and meeting their client’s needs.
Whether in your hometown or looking for a local experience when travelling, boutique shopping is a touch-and-feel experience that you just can’t shortcut. But if you’re welling to put in the time and effort, the payoff will be worth it!
For more information the Palmetto Tasty Tomato Restaurant Feast visit their website at TastyTomatoFestival.com and be sure to mark your calendars for the main event next Saturday, July 19th at City Roots Farm!
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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