Brittney Patty opened B Social Boutique with the goal of offering local women the opportunity to shop from a unique selection of clothing and gifts all under one roof located at 2220 County Road 210 West, Suite 101 in St. Johns.
Taking on such a venture was nothing new to Patty, who had been in the boutique industry for 10 years, including living and owning a store in Ocala for eight years, as well as having one in Gainesville.
However, she took some time away after having her second child, but then she and her husband Brandon saw that the time was right to get back in once again.
“I realized that there was no place to just pop in and grab a quick gift along (County Road) 210,” Patty said.
The business opened Oct. 12 and a ribbon cutting was held Dec. 2 to christen its joining of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce.
In just the past few months since the store opened its doors, Patty has been reassured that she made the right decision by the amount of positive feedback she has received.
“It has been a great response so far,” Patty said. “We’re on to something here.”
One of the ways that Patty seeks to provide a unique experience to her customers is by offering “hand-picked practical pieces” of clothing to choose from.
In most cases, Patty goes to metropolitan areas such as Atlanta and chooses the assortment of fashion and looks she then sells in her store.
“We hand pick everything,” Patty said. “Nothing in the shop comes from a big box store.”
Patty’s process allows her to select merchandise that fits the local community and the tastes of her clientele.
In only a couple of months she already has built relationships with her regular customers and has a much better idea of what they do and don’t like when it comes to products, such as clothing, shoes and jewelry.
“Each demographic is unique,” Patty said. “We’re able to really buy for our customers. We’re already to the point where we’re on a first name basis with many of them.”
Another goal of Patty’s is to make sure the products sold are also done within a reasonable price range, so that every customer can find a style that fits them without breaking the bank.
A variety of items from clothing, shoes, jewelry, candles and other gifts are sold.
“We carry a little bit of everything,” Patty said.
She believes that the boutique atmosphere will do great in the growing area around County Road 210 and thinks that people are starting to trend more toward the boutique shopping experience compared to the historically popular department stores.
“I think people miss that interaction that customer service that you don’t always get at some of the bigger stores,” Patty said. “People want to be able to ask, ‘How does this look on me?’ and are looking for an opinion.”
The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Customers can also search the store’s selection by going to shopbsocial.com.
