[i<3handbags]

I have been in department stores to look at bags, but not any boutiques. I keep seeing people mention the boutique experience, but what does that entail? I have never had the desire to go into boutiques, but maybe that is just because I don't know what I am missing.

[Invisibletape]

well aren't Boutiques just where the sale that name brand only?

[Compass Rose]

Boutiques, I think, are small, quaint little shops that are not part of any big chain of big box stores, and I am including Saks, Neiman's, Nordstrom's, Lord & Taylor, etc, in the big box stores. They don't have a big company behind them telling them where they can and cannot buy or how they choose to display their items. They just do their own thing. And, they remember who you are when you shop there.

[heather123]

I have a schoolteacher friend who just LOVES buying bags from boutiques. One she particularly likes is in a small rural village quite near where we live. Although I have never shopped at this boutique, I think my friend likes the off-the-radar styles this shops sells, both in clothes and bags. There are quite a few small, independent stores in Ireland, and even more in France. I think they're a good thing and hope to check out some French ones this summer.

[Jahpson]

SA's from boutique's tend to have better knowledge about the product they are selling, versus an SA who just happens to be working in that department that day.

[Compass Rose]

Originally Posted by JahpsonLoveYou

SA's from boutique's tend to have better knowledge about the product they are selling, versus an SA who just happens to be working in that department that day.

I know! I went to Saks a little while back and asked for a specific Kooba by name, and the SA didn't know what I was talking about. I mean, she didn't know that these purses were all given names. I think I would have expected that at Macy's or Penney's or something, but that is why I like the boutique experience, too. They know their merchandise more often than not.

[alatrop]

I prefer going into the actual Coach "boutique" as opposed to a department store because they have more variety, they know the product a bit better, and they aren't PUSHY. I've never had an SA in a boutique try to sell something to me the second I walk up, but they do in department stores (I know that they work on commission in dept stores and not in boutiques, but there still isn't any need to be pushy!!!).

I also like the wrapping/bag you get in a boutique. I don't want my purchase wrapped in some generic tissue and shoved in a plastic Dillard's bag. It might be superficial, but the cute tissue inside a nice box topped with a bow!! and the shopping bag from the store really complete the experience.

[heather123]

Originally Posted by JahpsonLoveYou

SA's from boutique's tend to have better knowledge about the product they are selling, versus an SA who just happens to be working in that department that day.

This is definitely true, especially if the manager is also the owner. A saleswoman in the bags department of a high-end store I was browsing in recently had never heard of Balenciaga.

[Roe]

Originally Posted by heather123

This is definitely true, especially if the manager is also the owner. A saleswoman in the bags department of a high-end store I was browsing in recently had never heard of Balenciaga.

i had that happen when i asked for rebecca mirnkoff bags. she looked at me like i had two heads and then went on to said...oh no we only sell more high end bags when i told her the price range her bags were in.

ouch

[janechin76]

I visit this boutique which carries lots of bag and jewelry brands - the boutique owner is very passionate about her stuff, she would take time out to tell you the history of individual pieces - this, I like

[balihai88]

If you're referring to a brand boutique (LV, YSL, etc), the SAs specialize in that product and therefore will likely be more knowledgeable. If you purchase, then you'll get the boutique trimmings (shop bag, box, etc). Some people also enjoy the experience of simply shopping in a high-end store, getting good CS, being surrounded by luxurious things, etc which may be a reason to, say, purchase an LV from the LV boutique on Rodeo than from the LV counter in a department store.

[lunatwinkle]

I prefer shopping at the Coach boutique rather than the department stores, like Nordstrom or Macy's. The Coach SAs tend to be better knowledgeable about their products. Plus, if the have something not in stock, they can special order it for you.

[BagsRME]

It depends on the boutique and your relationships with SAs. For example, I am treated very well at my most frequented boutique. I'm taken to a back room with a flat screen beautiful furnishings. They offer food and beverages, and they bring in all of the merchandise I'm interested it. The customer service is just unbeatable, and you usually have a lot less people shopping in boutiques than a department store at any given time.

[Antonia]

Originally Posted by alatrop

I prefer going into the actual Coach "boutique" as opposed to a department store because they have more variety, they know the product a bit better, and they aren't PUSHY. I've never had an SA in a boutique try to sell something to me the second I walk up, but they do in department stores (I know that they work on commission in dept stores and not in boutiques, but there still isn't any need to be pushy!!!).

Ialso like the wrapping/bag you get in a boutique. I don't want my purchase wrapped in some generic tissue and shoved in a plastic Dillard's bag. It might be superficial, but the cute tissue inside a nice box topped with a bow!! and the shopping bag from the store really complete the experience.

I'm the same, there's just something about walking out of the boutique with the fancy shopping bag and all the other trimmings!

[Compass Rose]

I know! I got my Tano at a little boutique in Ft. Myers, and it came wrapped in a really cool black and gold bag with handles, and individual black and gold tissue paper...with a ribbon to boot! It was like getting a present!!