The news of Mignon Faget being forced out of its building has sent a wave of concern throughout New Orleans. With another national retailer moving onto Magazine Street, many are questioning what this means for the future of a street once known for its locally owned boutiques. These small businesses are more than just places to shop. They are part of what gives Magazine Street its character and makes New Orleans such a special place.
I think this could be a defining moment for New Orleans. Rather than buying from a corporate retailer, driving to the mall, or ordering that pair of boots from Amazon, consider visiting a local boutique this week. See what your neighborhood shops have to offer, and you might find exactly what you're looking for while supporting the people who make our city unique.
Supporting a small business does not have to mean making a purchase. You can show your support through liking and sharing posts, referring a friend, and, if you do happen to need something, checking with a local shop before turning to a corporation.
There's something to be said not only for shopping in person, but for shopping locally. You get something you can't quite replicate at the mall or on a website: a personal connection. You get people who care about helping you find pieces you feel confident in, who take the time to get to know your style, and who want you to love what you take home.
Speaking from my own experience as the assistant buyer at C Collection, I see firsthand how much thought goes into curating a boutique's selection. We meet with designers and carefully consider the brands we bring into the store. From there, we thoughtfully select pieces with quality, versatility, and longevity in mind. Every purchase is intentional, with the hope that our customers will find something they truly love and return to wear season after season. Our goal is to help people discover pieces that make them feel good in what they wear and fall in love with their closets all over again.
While we may not be able to compete with expansive inventories or next-day delivery, retail giants cannot replicate the experience that locally owned boutiques provide.
XOXO,
Cali
