Women supporting women. Shopping at local boutiques benefits all.
By Lisa Player / Illustration by Getty Images
Online. Department store. Local boutique. With so many choices, what’s your go-to place for clothing?
If you’re not starting with the local boutiques that populate our area, you might be missing some huge benefits. The greater Pensacola area is teeming with fabulous women-owned shops that cater to their customers in a more personal way than big-box stores or online sites can do. Shop owners are dedicated to building relationships with the women who come in, and they are invested in providing a personalized, special shopping experience.
Beyond that, there are other reasons we should think local when shopping. According to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2024 website article, “When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood by way of paying sales tax. The sales tax money is used to support public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers, like firefighters.”
Also, because local shops purchase in smaller batches and tailor their orders to the customers and local climate they know well, they end up with much less unsold merchandise than big box and online retailers. And there’s less environmental impact due to the packaging and shipping of individual items related to online shopping.
Shopping at local boutiques also gives
you access to unique brands and styles, as well as personal customer service. And
besides, it’s fun! Check out these women-
owned boutiques when you’re ready
for your next shopping fix.
Gibson Girl Clothing
Open since 2010
816 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze; 850-932-2647; shopgibsongirl.com
Key brands: Mavi jeans, Z-Supply, Elan, waterproof jewelry, Spongelle and other unique brands
• Kellie Schulte, co-owner/buyer: Owning and managing my store has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s not just about running a business; it’s about creating a space where we can connect with our community and make a meaningful impact. … Our store is more than just a shopping destination — it’s a place where retail therapy meets heartfelt connection. What makes us unique is the way we embrace life’s highs and lows with our customers. We’ve consoled grieving mothers attending their child’s funeral, supported those navigating divorces and heartbreak and celebrated the start of beautiful new chapters with weddings and baby showers. Here, every visit is about more than a purchase — it’s about creating a space where life’s most emotional moments are met with compassion, understanding, and joy.
Sharon Chandler, customer: What makes Gibson Girl special? It’s easy: the owner. They go through the clothes and pull things for me to try on. I love their cozy couch and chairs. I went to Italy in October. I was looking for a bag that would fit tight across my chest. It was perfect leather and a whiskey brown. … I love my leather hobo bag. The really special time is bringing my granddaughters in and letting them feel like the movie Pretty Woman. I sit while they try on a million things. … I rarely leave empty handed. ... They also have online shopping. …They always have a reduced rack. This is a treasured boutique.
Jen’s Designer Deals
Storefront open since 2019, doing business since 2015
360 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze;
850-384-5368; jensdesignerdeals.com
Key brands: Q2, Cotton Natural, Sugarlips, By Together
Jen Wells, owner/stylist: Running my store is a reflection of my two passions which are fashion and philanthropy. I am able to help women feel beautiful and confident AND make a difference in my community. It makes my heart happy. We work hard to curate a collection of pieces to be able to dress ANY woman for ANY occasion from casual to formal, offering quality at affordable prices. We are very customer service oriented, building relationships with our customers and offering an experience. We are very intertwined with the community, actively partnering with non-profits, the schools, and other businesses and organizations. I am so blessed to be able to use my business as a platform to spread confidence and community causes.
Delayna Blankenship, customer: I love Jen’s Designer Deals and Jen Wells because Jen knows which sizes and items will fit her clients best. She has their best interest at heart, not the sale. She’s a top-tier personal shopper and will tell you if that cute pair of booties can be worn all day or just for a few hours. She will let you know if that waistband works better on a longer- or shorter-waisted physique. And if you’re lucky enough, like me, she can also stand in as your own personal mannequin! She’s not just a savvy entrepreneur; she’s a sister, friend, and fellow supporter of our beloved community. Her heart is huge. And she often serves bubbles! JDD is not just a place to shop — it’s a place to experience and make new friends.
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S&K Boutique
Open since 2015 (celebrating 10 years this June)
4273 Woodbine Rd, Pace; 850-910-3308; Facebook/shopsandk
Key brands: “Judy Blue is a staple in our boutique, we have ladies at the ready when we get a new shipment in. We also are proud to carry over seven women-owned boutique lines that are featured in S&K that fully support other women-owned businesses across our great United States,” store owner Shannon Evans said.
Shannon Evans, founder/owner: I love being present; listening and talking to those who decide what we have to offer in our boutique will suit them perfectly. I LOVE giving back to our community, especially local non-profits and schools. I love watching Holly, who is an integral part of our team, connect with our clients; she has forged relationships with those who have been clients for years, and I hold a special place for her as others do as well. … What makes S&K special is that we are always centered and focused on ensuring those who come … leave feeling confident, empowered, proud and well taken care of. We believe so strongly in our community and love knowing that those who enter our boutique become family. We have built solid and strong relationships with our clients; having been by their side during seasons of joy, sorrow, loss, life and more.
Danielle Larsen, customer: [Shannon is] always so happy to see us and greets us with a hug. She loves fashion and travels to LA to make all of her purchases in person; she creates videos almost daily showing her shoppers styling ideas. She is such a huge supporter of local businesses and hosts Small Business Saturday every November. She invites small businesses to put up vending booths at her store. She supports local charities. … Shannon is a veteran. And Holly is also an amazing lady, and Shannon’s right hand at the store.
Lee Tracy
Open since 1978, new location in Pensacola since 2006
701 E Gregory St, Pensacola;
850-912-8639; leetracypensacola.com
Key brands: Johnny Was, Liverpool, Bobi, Dylan, Lysse, Bed|Stu, Hobo, Habitat, Sofia, Dear John, Oh My Gauze!, Clara Sun Woo
Diane McLaughlin, manager & buyer: By far, my favorite aspect about running my store has always been our customers and the relationships we build with them. We/they become extended family, and we create a bond like no other in the retail world. It’s our unique ability to connect with all our customers. We truly listen to your needs and what it is that brings you in that day, then we help you find it! We are very open and honest with our feedback and will let you know if something does not look or fit right and suggest another style that may suit your figure better. We thrive on our one-on-one shopping experience with our gals, along with the ability to dress y’all from head to toe and then fully accessorize that outfit with jewelry, shoes and handbags. Our customers’ favorite saying is, “You’re our one-stop shop!”
Christine McArthur, customer: When you walk through the door, you are greeted with, “Welcome to Lee Tracy!” You will always receive personalized service from Di, C.A. or Tracey. They offer styles with every woman in mind, with washable, stylish clothing, shoes and accessories to complete your look. It has the atmosphere of family and a place to meet your friends. You surely look forward to your next shopping experience — I know I do!
Bluetique
Open since 2013
125 Palafox Place, Pensacola; 850-432-1264;
bluetiquepensacola.com
Key brands: Marie Oliver, Oliphant, AG Denim, Lilla P, Marea, Emily McCarthy
Laura Belsinger, owner: My favorite part of having a store is visiting with everyone that walks through our door! I love getting to know our locals in the community, as well as meeting people from all over! It is so much fun telling tourists about our great city! I love retail because the heart of it is connecting with people. I look forward to going to work every day and am so grateful for all the amazing friendships it has given me over the years.
Shaner Crooke, customer: I absolutely love Laura and Bluetique! Their clothing reflects the needs for both a coastal community and Pensacola style. There is a sense of comfort when you walk in the door with the people who work there. They are very accommodating and friendly.
Scout
Open since 2007
403 S Palafox St, Pensacola; 850-607-7105; Instagram/Scout_Boutique
Key brands: Golden Goose, Ulla Johnson, Anine Bing, Alexis, TWP and many more
Look for: brand selection and attention to customer service
Julia Ussery, owner: I love curating the store with beautiful brands from around the world and definitely wardrobing our customers and being a part of their lives.
Linda Downs, customer: I love the clothes, the ambiance and the people. Julia knows the trends while helping me style the pieces together. That is why I have been a loyal customer for 15 years and will continue to show my support.
So Cute Boutique
Open since 2020
3034 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze; 850-346-5663; Facebook/So Cute Boutique
Key brands: Umgee, Entro, Blu Pepper, Kancan jeans, Sweet Grace Collection candles
Sue Schonewolf, owner: We say we are boutique shopping at non-boutique prices. We shop with our customers in mind and are very price-conscious. We love that they can come in and try clothes on and feel the fabric versus buying online just to have to return it. We love meeting and talking to our local ladies as well as meeting people from out of town who come back each year.
Kym Lewis, customer: So Cute Boutique has stylish, fun clothes as well as beautiful semi-formal attire. She has extremely cute accessories, purses and pajamas. I never leave empty-handed.
Drift Boutique
Open since 2017
960 E. 9 Mile Rd., #5, Pensacola; 850-332-5126; driftboutique.shopsettings.com
Key brands: Z Supply, Spanx, Dolce Vita, Bridgewater, ALK Designs (jewelry), P’cola Poured (candles)
• Jill Noble, owner: I love being able to curate a place of all my favorite things! I’ve always had a creative side, and this job allows me to utilize that! I’d like to think service may set us apart. When you come into our store, we are here to help! We strive to put you at ease and feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. I want it to light up all of your senses! It should look good, smell good and just feel good when you’re at Drift!
• Jennifer Brown, customer: Drift Boutique is my go-to store for many reasons. They have a curated selection of unique and trendy pieces, personalized customer service, and a visually appealing atmosphere. At Drift, you will discover new brands and styles that you won’t find in other stores. You will leave there feeling like you found something special that fits your individual taste!
Southern Specialty
Open since 2013
8223 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre; 850-684-1355; Facebook/Southern Specialty
Key brands: Z Supply, Dear John, Sadie and Sage, ENewton, NavBch Wear, Powder, Capri Blue, Tyler Candle Products
Lisa M. Gambill, co-owner (with Magda Morton): We love connecting with our customers and bringing style and fashion to our sleepy little beach town. Our store is a favorite among locals and many tourists. We love on everyone; we celebrate good things and pray and cry for our customers through life’s storms. It is truly like my husband says, a “Truvy’s Beauty Shop” in Navarre!
Naomi O’Connor, customer: I adore Southern Specialty Boutique because they showcase truly empowering product lines that everyone eagerly seeks. They offer an incredibly diverse array of items across all price points. What I especially cherish about this boutique is that you begin as a valued customer and ultimately become part of a loving family.
