Have you ever walked into a boutique and wondered why that shop carries the brands they do? Is it a reflection of the owner’s personal style, or are they catering to the specific needs of their community? Do they offer a broad selection of many brands, or focus on a curated selection of just a few? At Archery Close, a Stowe boutique nestled in Vermont, our brand selection process is intentional, guided by our passion for offering high-quality, thoughtfully curated pieces to our customers.
Our Guiding Principles for Selecting Brands
When we started Archery Close, we set out to create a store that felt authentic to us—one that we, ourselves, would love to shop at. While running a profitable business is essential, we believe it’s much easier (and more fulfilling) to sell products that you genuinely love. This philosophy is at the heart of our brand selection process.
Before a brand makes it onto our shelves, it must pass a few critical tests, starting with the question: Would we wear it ourselves? If the answer is no, it’s not going to make the cut. Beyond this personal filter, there are three major categories that help us determine whether a brand aligns with our store’s values.
1) Brand Ethos
We prioritize working with brands that share our commitment to transparency and ethical practices. It’s not about where the clothes are made, but about whether the brand knows and ensures fair working conditions for its employees. We believe in supporting brands that are socially responsible and take action to create positive change in their communities.
Sustainability is another key consideration. For instance, we love partnering with brands like Marine Layer that are committed to eco-conscious practices. Marine Layer is known for their Re-Spun initiative, where they recycle old t-shirts into new ones, reducing waste and giving clothes a second life. Their approach to sustainable fashion aligns perfectly with our values here at Archery Close.
We also pay close attention to how brands manage their pricing. If a brand consistently slashes prices soon after release, it raises concerns about overproduction and inflated original prices, both of which feel wasteful to us. We want to work with brands that offer fair pricing without resorting to constant markdowns.
2) Brand Style
Style is, of course, central to what we do. Beyond personal preference, we ask: Why would we wear this? The answer lies in the quality of fabrics, construction, and timeless appeal of the designs. We look for brands that offer something new and exciting each season while still creating pieces that can stand the test of time.
Brand saturation is another factor we consider. While it’s important to carry some well-known names for our customers’ everyday needs, we also love discovering up-and-coming designers and more exclusive brands. Striking a balance between the familiar and the unique is key to curating a diverse and exciting product selection for our boutique.
3) Brand Working Relationship
The relationship between the brand and us, as a retailer, is critical. We value brands that prioritize building strong personal connections between their reps and buyers. Having an open line of communication allows us to better understand which products resonate with our unique customer base, creating a stronger partnership overall.
Another thing we love is when brands are eager to collaborate on in-store events, like trunk shows. These events create a dynamic shopping experience for our customers and give us the chance to showcase the brand’s entire collection while tapping into their loyal following. It’s a win-win for both parties!
Thoughtful Curation Behind Every Brand
At Archery Close, the brands we carry are more than just labels on our shelves. They represent our commitment to quality, sustainability, and style. Each brand we partner with has been thoughtfully selected, ensuring it aligns with our values and the needs of our customers. Whether it’s an eco-conscious brand that shares our ethical approach or an up-and-coming designer offering something fresh and exciting, we’re proud to present a carefully curated selection of pieces that we believe in.
The next time you visit us, know that there’s a story behind every item—and a reason why it’s here.