Mobile Boutiques Reinvent Business

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE, HOW TO FIND THEM

With a seemingly ever-growing population, the Denver small business scene is rapidly expanding to keep up. Denver transplants and locals alike are taking advantage of every new money making idea, which means different and innovative forms of business are emerging—mobile boutiques being one of them.

Similar to food trucks, these on-the-go boutiques give customers a new and unconventional shopping experience and afford their owners a fun, alternative way of making a living.

Mobile boutiques in Denver sell a variety of items ranging from clothing to interior design décor pieces. Boutiques like Patterns and Pops, Evey K, Denver Street Boutique, and Meraki Moon sell a variety of women’s clothing and accessories. Others such as C’est Si Bon sell home décor pieces and handmade gifts.

Erin Martin, owner of C’est Si Bon, loves the flexibility that comes with having her own mobile boutique. It allows her to be a committed businesswoman in addition to balancing spending quality time with her three sons. Evelyn Knuckles, the owner of Evey K Fashionliner, also loves her fluid schedule, as it allows her to travel with her family. The positive experiences built into mobile boutique businesses not only benefits the owners, but also the customers.

Many shoppers are new to the concept, and they are responding enthusastically.“Denver is open to new an innovative ways to shop,” Knuckles said. This allows owners Martin and Knuckles to help their customers easily acclimate to their mobile boutiques by giving them a fun and new experience.

“People really are amazed at how it looks like a real boutique inside,” Knuckles said. “It feels like more of a private shopping experience, which keeps them coming back.”

“Customers are looking for something out of the ordinary,” Martin said in regards to searching for unique pieces.

Although there are many advantages to owning a mobile boutique, such as not having to pay rent or mortgage for the space, the niche experience comes with some disadvantages.

“You do have to be proactive and find locations that will allow you to park the [mobile boutique],” Knuckles said. Martin added that another disadvantage is the set-up and tear-down. With her fragile and intricate pieces, this process can be somewhat tedious to accomplish smoothly.

This emerging shopping experience is gaining momentum and more and more customers and entrepreneurs are taking note. Mobile boutiques like Evey K and C’est Si Bon can be found on their respective websites and social media accounts. Each has a calendar of events noting where they will be on any given day.

Mobile botiques can often be spotted at a local farmers market, festival, or on a popular Denver street corner. Many can even be booked for private parties.

Mobile boutiques put a fun twist on the traditional shopping experience while allowing customers to support local small business and walk away with a distinctive purchase.