Looking for some out-of-the-ordinary styles?
We spoke with a variety of tri-state boutique owners about how shopping locally can be beneficial to both the consumer and to the community.
Donna Weber and Monique Butcher are the co-owners of Classy & Chic Boutique, a shop located in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District.
“Most big stores typically have more generic items coming from boxes,” Weber said. “Local stores, instead, feature unique styles.”
Open since April 2019, Classy & Chic Boutique features trendy women’s clothing and accessories, with the maximum price point at approximately $60.
The store can be found on Facebook (Classy & Chic Boutique) and Instagram (@classyandchicboutique2), along with its website at www.classyandchicboutique.net.
In its fifth year in business, The Midwest Girl is a local brand co-owned by Marissa Hoffmann and Marah Odgers.
The business started out mobile, traveling to various vendor shows. A year into the existence of The Midwest Girl, Hoffmann and Odgers opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Dubuque’s Cable Car Square; however, the store recently relocated again to the Historic Millwork District.
Hoffman described The Midwest Girl as a local brand that offers a variety of clothing types, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, onesies and more.
The price point for the shop is between $28 and $88.
“You’re not just supporting the business owner but so many other people that put work into helping that business succeed,” Hoffman said. “Local shops keep the community exciting and inviting.”
To check out the styles, visit the shop on Facebook (The Midwest Girl), Instagram (@shopthemidwestgirl) or at shopthemidwestgirl.com.
Lori Reddy, owner of Change of Seasons in Platteville, Wis., urges consumers to shop locally.
“(It builds) personal connections with the owners of the stores and support local organizations,” she said.
Reddy has owned Change of Seasons since 1986. Located on East Main Street, the shop includes clothing for children and adults, hats, handbags and home décor.
The average price point is between $4 and $12.
The store can be found on Facebook (Change of Seasons) and at www.shopchangeofseasons.com.
Of course, Galena, Ill., is full of unique boutiques.
“Every store in downtown Galena is so different,” said Paradox manager Amy Virtue.
She encourages patrons to shop local because, “when you do, you find things that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.”
Paradox is located on Main Street in Galena and is owned by Diana Andresen. It offers fair trade jewelry from the Philippines and Ecuador, as well as clothing made in Italy.
Prices range from $10 to $200.
In addition to opening Paradox two years ago, Andresen also owns Bella Rosa Boutique (on Facebook and at bellarosagalena.com), another Galena shop.
Poopsie’s, located on Main street in Galena, offers “a bit of something for everyone,” said CEO Alana Turner.
The store features various affordable gift options, including home décor, jewelry, fine art, gadgets and more.
Poopsie’s has been in business since 1992 but has been owned by Turner and Traci Lyden, CFO (Chief Fun Operator), since 2010.
To keep customers up-to-date about the latest products, Poopsie’s can be found on Facebook (Poopsie’s of Galena), Instagram (@poopsiesofgalena) and at poopsies.com.
“Shop local anytime in order to keep businesses thriving successfully,” Turner said. “Local businesses keep the community vibrant.”
Emily Boge is a Clarke University student and freelance writer from Dubuque.
