Shopping for success | Boaz Boutique Trail strives for local impact

Success comes in all sizes, like a pair of high-end shoes.

More than one month ago, the Boaz Boutique Trail was introduced as the state’s first trail of its kind, and Misty Burgess, owner of Allie and Me Boutique, is excited by the trail’s early feedback. She said the trail has been a great tool for getting people to explore the different boutiques across the area.

“I think its great to bring the community together, and for shoppers who don’t necessarily shop with each store to see what they all have to offer,” Burgess said. “Because, in my opinion, there are many shoppers who are loyal to certain stores, and if they go into a store outside of their norm to get their ‘passport’ stamped, they may see something they like at that store too.”

Allie and Me is one of eight boutiques featured on the trail and is the gold sponsor. Others include Back Roads Boutique, the BoxTruck Boutique (a bronze sponsor), Crystal Corner, Old Mill Trading Company, Scarlett Rose Boutique, The Sun Shack and Willow Tree Boutique.

What sets Allie and Me apart from others is its goal to provide women across the area a style of fashion that can’t be found anywhere else.

“We only order 6-12 pieces of the same item, no matter what,” Burgess said. “I never order more than 12 pieces of the same item. That means that the odds of someone being dressed up like you are very minimal in this area. Not many stores do that, but that is what our business model is built on – to be unique and not dressed like every other woman in this area.”

Burgess said the boutique trail has been a tremendous asset in bringing in business and has potential to be a driving force behind Boaz’s continual ‘shop local’ campaign.

“We have had several people come in to get their ‘passport’ stamped,” Burgess said. “They may have not necessarily bought anything, but there have been several people stop by as part of the trail.

“I think there’s lots of potential for more participation in the trail,” Burgess continued. “I think if every boutique that’s participating would come together and really make a point to encourage people and promote the boutique trail, this could be something huge for the City of Boaz and its small businesses.”

Glory days of the Boaz outlets are behind the city. And, while Burgess doesn’t think the outlets can be restored to its level of greatness that once was, she said Boaz could reach similar heights in the future. All it takes is a push of positive promotion and a community with a ‘shop local’ mentality.

“I’m excited about the new park with the splash pad and everything else,” Burgess added. “But there’s so many people that have the mind set of ‘I need to shop for this, so let’s go to Huntsville or Birmingham.’ But we have the same brands and other things you’ll find in the larger cities at either the same price or less right here in Boaz. If you shop Boaz first, you might not need to go anywhere else, and you’re helping your hometown. I feel like if the community could come together, shop local and keep our money in Boaz, we could make Boaz so much better.

“That’s the whole idea behind the boutique trail and it’ll always be what we’re striving for.”

To travel the Boaz Boutique Trail, first stop by the Boaz Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 Bartlett Ave. in Boaz, and pick up a “passport.” The “passport” is a brochure that details each boutique on the trail and has a special place designated to be stamped. Once each store has been visited and the passport is completely stamped, Skinner said there is a gift bag full of “swag” that can either be picked up or sent to the shopper.

For more information about The Boaz Boutique Trail, call the chamber at 256-593-8154 or log onto boazareachamberofcommerce.com.