2013's Best New Boutiques In Minnesota
There is no comparison to the boutique experience. Feel the rush while immersing yourself in the ambiance of dancing colors and stimulating aromas of these specialty stores. Check out these five best new boutiques that opened in Minnesota in 2013. For more on recent boutique openings, see CBS Minnesota The Trendiest Boutiques That Opened In 2012.
Best New Upscale Clothing Boutique
MINQ
1637 West End Blvd.
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
(612) 839-6535
www.facebook.com/shopMINQ
Urbane and classy men and women will find garments and accessories that are "luxurious but approachable," says Stacey Finnegan. A previous owner of il Vostro Boutique near 50th and France, Stacey dabbled at online retailing but she is again engaging face-to-face with her customers. "I've heard time and again from my previous guests that they miss the collections I was able to pull together and they are just waiting for me to launch a new concept," she shared with ALI SHOPS correspondent Jennifer Blaise Kramer. Friends of her boutiques were treated to an early Christmas when she opened MINQ in May at The Shops at West End.
Related: Minnesota Holiday Party Outfit & Accessory Shopping Guide
Best New Home Décor Boutique
Prime and Polish
612 W. 54th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 824-1743
www.primeandpolish.com
Jessica Moriarty's dream job is to combine her passions with the importance of the home. Prime and Polish, at 54th and Lyndale, is a boutique for the home that expresses enjoyable décor at sensible prices. Expect to find unique furniture, home goods and art by local artists. Every piece in this cute little shop that opened last May is unique and one of a kind. Jessica also offers design services and a variety of classes with creative ideas for entertaining, decorating for the season and developing your artistic flair.
Best New Menswear Boutique
Martin Patrick 3
212 3rd Ave. N., Suite 106
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 746-5329
www.martinpatrick3.com
Well-groomed men will be pleased with MartinPatrick3, located in the historic Warehouse District of Minneapolis, because it is packed with every type of men's accessories. Imagine discovering an apothecary filled with a variety of high-end shaving and grooming products. Choose from a variety of jewelry, watches, vintage cuff links, sunglasses, stylish flasks, bottle openers, key chains, iPhone cases and many other accessories. Find unique bags and wallets. Martin Patrick 3 opened its latest location in February 2013.
Best Trendy Baby Boutique
Teeny Bee Boutique
1560 Selby Ave
.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(612) 644-2540
www.teenybeeboutique.com
Children should be allowed to touch anything in a store, says Kristie Case, owner and mother of two. She even scheduled a playtime at 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday mornings in a comfortable, carpeted play area in the back of the store. The shopping area trumpets colorful blocks, entrancing mobiles, curiosity-inducing books and cuddly stuffed animals that any kid up to age five would love. The racks and shelves show off the cutest clothing for toddlers. St. Paulites can find Teeny Bee in the Merriam Park Neighborhood nestled up next to Cahoots Coffee bar, directly across the street from Associated Bank.
Best New Pet Boutique
CocoBear Boutique and Pet Care
197 E. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-6367
www.cocobearpetcare.com
Downtown St. Paul's new pet boutique that opened in May 2013 offers affordable, locally sourced, American-made, natural and organic products such as pet food, dog biscuits, great jerky-looking treats, toys, bandanas, grooming supplies, leashes, collars, pet-wear, doggy magnets and other pet-themed gifts. Owner Madeleine Poling and staff have provided pet care services since 2011, but this is the first time in a store front where CocoBear is able to expand its inventory for a variety of pet lovers. Drivers can find metered parking east of the shop on 8th Street or Temperance Street.
Related: Best Twin Cities Boutiques
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
