Introducing Boutikey!

11 Sep

Boutique | bue.tique | bo͞oˈtēk/ A boutique is a small shopping outlet, especially one that specializes in elite and fashionable items such as clothing and jewelery. The word is French for “shop”. Today’s consumer retail experience is an ever evolving one. With technological advancements playing an intricate part in the way we live our lives, consumers have become increasingly savvy in a world with infinite options. In the world of brick and mortar stores, fashion consumers have the option of shopping at traditional department/mass retail stores or more specialized boutique shops. I’ve always loved the boutique shopping experience for its exclusivity and uniqueness. Meet fashionista and tech diva Tiana Haraguchi, founder of the Boutikey App—an app that connects boutique customers with boutiques, providing shoppers with the ability to earn points or savings toward future purchases. The company recently launched its e-commerce marketplace where fashionistas can find curated pieces from boutiques across the country. I was able to chat it up with the beauty and brains behind the brand, see what she had to say about her inspiration and what you can gain from the Boutikey experience.

“Ironically, it’s online digital tools that are helping to get shoppers into the offline world of brick-and-mortar stores by personalizing the shopping experience.” – Tiana Haraguchi

Q:What inspired you to launch Boutikey?
A: I originally came up with the idea for Boutikey after a shopping experience I had at one of the Boston boutiques. I had made a big purchase that day, and was bummed that there was no additional reward or incentive for spending a certain amount of dollars. I also learned about a sale after checking out, which may have influenced my purchase. I started thinking that it would be helpful if there was a digital platform that helped connect boutiques and their customers on a deeper level, and hence Boutikey was formed.

Q: How will Boutikey enhance the consumer experience?
A: Boutikey, the mobile app, allows consumers to connect with fashion boutiques on a deeper level. They’re able to see what items are trending in their area, any local sales or events going on, as well as join a loyalty program that rewards them for every purchase they make in a participating boutique. The e-commerce platform is an extension of the mobile app, and allows customers to shop cutting edge trends and online exclusives from their favorite boutiques…from the comfort of their home!

Q: What about the boutique shopping experience you enjoy the most versus department store shopping?
A: I love the personalization of it. It’s nice having a store associate to chat with about new and popular items, as well as get their advice on how things look when you try them on. I also love that you can find unique pieces, and the fact that it is not an overwhelming experience. When you walk in to H&M you have no idea where to start. When you walk in to a boutique you browse through a few racks and can get an idea of what you like and don’t like.

Q: What are your favorite boutique brands?
A: I love BLQ, pink martini, lucy paris, cotton candy, Tractr, Reverse, Flying Tomato and many more!

Q: Where do you see brick and mortar boutiques in the future?
A: As long as brick and mortar stores find a way to keep up with the growing e-commerce market, they will survive. In today’s day and age, consumers want options when it comes to shopping. Boutikey is great because it provides boutiques the ability to have an online presence without having to deal with the hassles and resources it takes to create their own online website.

Q: What is the selection criteria for partnering with a particular boutique?
A: Our goal is to work with boutiques who have a unique style, and a good sense of the latest happening trends. We also like to make sure the store owners are dedicated and passionate about their store and their customers. This definitely reflects on the quality and variety of clothes they sell.