Shopping Local: Where to Go for Every Style
Since this time last year, small businesses have been suffering at the hands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many shop owners were forced to shut down and thousands of jobs were lost. What few businesses did manage to survive have had a rough year. With mask mandates, crowd control restraints, keeping things as safe as possible, and simultaneously trying to turn up business, staying afloat seemed impossible. A survey by Goldman Sachs found that 93% of business owners said that the pandemic would forever impact the way they operate, while 68% said it would permanently change their business models.
These small businesses need us now more than ever. Many of them are run by families, individuals that are prominent in their communities, or someone you may even recognize. Choosing to shop with small businesses can mean helping someone’s mother to put food on the table, as opposed to giving more money to large corporations. Independent businesses can also offer more unique gifts and clothes, which means you’d be in for some interesting finds.
Many clothing boutiques local to the College Station and Bryan area carry a variety of unique styles that you may not be able to find at larger retail shops. There are different boutiques for those with eccentric styles, and still plenty of options to choose from even though you’re shopping small.
Photo courtesy of @threadsboutiquebcs
Threads Boutique
Threads Boutique has trendy, up-to-date clothing, including an entire section specifically for Aggie game days. Their website states that their vision is to make women feel great in whatever they wear. You’ll find that many of the clothing items and accessories sold at Threads are great for those who love the newest trends but want to shop small. Visit Threads Boutique’s website to start shopping!
Dusty Diamonds Boutique
Dusty Diamonds Boutique describes their shop as a “boho, eclectic style boutique with a twist of vintage western influence.” The boutique carries clothing, accessories, a variety of gifts, and even a line of false lashes. They offer plenty of trendy items like graphic tees and gold, chunky jewelry, but also have classic western pieces. More information on their clothing and location can be found here.
Photo courtesy of @sabiboutique
Sabi Boutique
Sabi Boutique carries a variety of clothing, accessories, and also a line of merchandise specifically for sororities. Additionally, they sell apparel/gifts for children and an entire bath and body line. The shop has unique skirts and blouses and recently launched a new collection for spring that carries plenty of floral prints for all your spring dreams. Check out the Sabi Boutique website here.
We hope this guide helps you gear up for the spring/summer seasons while also supporting your local businesses. What better cure for buyer’s remorse than knowing your money is helping others in your community? Happy shopping!
Written by Haley Noble & Shaiza Gudda, Photography Curated by Flora Patteson, Media by Myranda Cumpian