SPOKANE, Wash. — Two local Spokane women’s specialty clothing boutiques are closing their doors permanently, as the small businesses struggle against online shopping trends and rising operational costs.
Lolo Boutique, which has served the community for more than 20 years, will close after its current owner made the difficult decision following the holiday shopping season. The boutiques owner, Cinny Considine who took over the business two years ago, said the financial realities became impossible to ignore.
“It’s heartbreaking. There’s a lot of feelings with that. But, when the numbers are in black and white, you have to make a business decision at that point. People are inclined to not go out to shop in person any longer and need to shop online, and the convenience of that, they think ‘great’ but they’re missing out on the whole experience,” Considine said.
The shift toward online shopping has coincided with customers gravitating toward name-brand clothing, leaving smaller specialty shops struggling to compete. Considine expressed concern about the quality difference between boutique items and mass-market alternatives.
“It’s like cheaper goods and it’s just… it’s a shame,” she said.
Beyond losing customers to the online shopping world, rising operational costs have created additional pressure on small business owners. Considine pointed to taxes and fees as particularly burdensome expenses.
“I think some of those fees should really be looked at… like taxes and such. It’s kind of ridiculous,” she said.
Lolo’s Boutique plans to sell its remaining inventory through its website, allowing loyal customers one final opportunity to purchase items from the longtime local business.
Swank Boutique, located near Northtown Mall, also announced it will also close in March. The owner, Angela Malone, shared an emotional video on social media explaining the decision.
“I would definitely relocate Swank Boutique, but truth be told, business is not good,” Malone said in the video.
Five Below, a discount retail chain, will take over the Swank Boutique location.
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