For those who love the convenience of having a variety of stores in one place, large shopping malls may be ideal. But for those in search of a unique shopping oasis, the boutiques on Elmwood Avenue could be a pleasant surprise.
"The products are more unique and it's a friendlier and more personal environment," said Jennifer Roth, a senior media studies major.
Some students feel that shopping in places other than the typical mall stores will add to the individuality of their look.
"You'll have your own style. You won't see people - the ones who go to the mall - wearing what you're going to buy (in independent stores)," said Philana Owusu, a sophomore mechanical engineering major.
Shoefly, located at 882 Elmwood Ave., is a shoe store with a large selection and great service to boot. The store is immediately inviting, with brightly painted walls and a unique d?(c)cor. The imaginative design includes a jewelry display made of popcorn kernels and a checkout counter covered with hundreds of clear stones.
"It's more personal. And sometimes, you can find unique things," said Stefany San Jose, a senior occupational therapy major. "I don't think they're more expensive. It's the same prices."
The shoe store carries trendy boots, shoes, hosiery, purses, messenger bags, and jewelry for men and women. With boots ranging from $60 to $155 and shoes starting at $40, the products are no more expensive than at the mall, but have a distinctive style that may not be found elsewhere.
The store has been open for seven months, Shoefly owner Sue Marfino said.
"I opened because I wanted to bring stuff to Buffalo that wasn't available here. Ninety-five percent of brands that I carry, you can't get anywhere else in the city," Marfino said.
Other unique items at the store include beaded purses, large colorful bags, cowboy boots and patterned hosiery.
Across the street at 799 Elmwood Ave. is Quills Apothecary, a store that sells body products, as well as unusual brands of makeup. Quills has a comfortable and earthy atmosphere and the shelves are lined with brands of beauty products such as Toni and Tina, Jaqua Girls, DuWop, and Burt Bee's.
Owner Molly Quill stresses the advantages of personal service when shopping in boutiques.
"The owner is usually always here. We get to know the customers so we can do things for them that big stores can't, like let them take towels home just to make sure they match their bathrobes," said Quill.
Although cosmetic companies set many of Quills' prices, the quality of the product makes paying the few extra dollars worth it. Most of the lines have products ranging from $5 to $30, but the quality and colors of the cosmetics are incomparable. Furthermore, the enduring quality of the makeup makes it possible to use only a little at a time, so the products last for months, even with everyday use.
Uncommon Threads, next to Quills at 795 Elmwood Ave., is the perfect place to find cozy sweaters priced in the $40 to$60 range. Threads also has cute winter hats, scarves, gloves, and other winter gear for reasonable prices.
"The store was already open when I bought it three years ago, but I made it more universal, more urban. I try and get a little bit of everything and clothes that won't go out of style," said owner Susan Adamucci.
Items unique to Uncommon Threads include the Hanky Panky brand from New York City, Putumayo, a fun and youthful line of clothes, and Dansko shoes, which are fashionable yet comfortable shoes, which are used as an alternative to traditional options for medical workers or waiters.
"Independent stores have better quality clothing. They put more work into it and there is more customer satisfaction," Renee Wilkinson, a junior nursing major. "It depends on what they're selling, they might be more expensive."
Uncommon Threads also has purses and unique jewelry made by the Adamucci.
Although there are many boutiques along Elmwood Avenue, Urban Clothing Company, a men and women's boutique and snowboard shop, rises above the rest. The store was voted No. 1 funky clothing store last year by Artvoice readers and No. 1 clothing store this year.
"Having a combination of men's, women's and snowboard stores all in one helps. One part could have never survived on its own, but with all three we attract all different kinds of people," said owner Edward Pinkel. "We also carry independent clothing names you would only find in New York City, which are always current."
The store sells a combination of angora sweaters, jeans and khakis, ties and more. The Urban Clothing Company also features Buffalo brand clothing that has a unique, fun, flair.
"Shopping here is also nice because you can have a personal sense of style. A hundred other girls won't be wearing the same thing," said Pinkel.
The price of Buffalo jeans range from $49 to $65, women's shirts from $29 to $59 and men's shirts from $40 to $50. The store also carries sterling jewelry that is priced lower than anywhere else in the city, according to Pinkel.
Urban Clothing is also one of the few stores on Elmwood Avenue that has a permanent sale rack, which gets bigger towards the end of the season. They also have a midnight madness storewide mailing list sale in August.
