What’s Selling at Snapdragon Boutique in Grand Rapids, MI

Allison Montague opened Snapdragon Boutique 10 years ago with the mentality that, “Grand Rapids, Michigan can have cool stuff, too!” Selling clothes, footwear and gifts for children ranging in age from infants to juniors, the store brings a wide variety of in-style fashion to its smaller hometown. After working as an attorney and social worker, the boutique offers Montague a fun and more relaxed business environment.

Q: How would you describe your store? Snapdragon is focused on offering the best product for the best price. We strive to have a unique and large variety of items for customers that are high quality and are a good value.

Q: Who is your typical customer? We get everybody. Of course we have lots of moms but we also have a lot of grandparents and people buying gifts. We offer special occasion clothes, but also try to keep a nice variety of everyday clothes, as well.

Q: How has business been this year? It has definitely picked up. You know, in 2008 the bottom just fell out for everyone. But we’ve been making our way back and this year was a good one. I’m grateful for that.

Q: What are your best-selling apparel brands and styles? Tea Collection, Zutano and Kissy Kissy. Parents are looking for easy, wearable and comfortable clothes for boys and girls that still have cool style elements.

Q: What about best-selling gifts? The Apple Park organic, green toys are very popular. So are Little Giraffe blankets. Silikids cups are also popular—the brand is local to Michigan.

Q: What would you say is your most popular seller right now? Tea Collection is probably my top-selling brand because it spans boys and girls of all ages.

Q: Do you hold any in-store events? We do! We offer monthly coupons and do private shopping events. We also work with different charitable organizations. We have “We Care Wednesdays” where customers can contact us about having their favorite charity featured for a portion of the day’s sales to be donated.

Q: What keeps customers coming back to an independent retailer like Snapdragon? I think it’s the personalized service. We know what our customers like, we’ll hold things from them, help them find what works for them. It’s especially helpful with shoes. And customers appreciate that kind of service.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about Grand Rapids? We’ve got a great, supportive community here. If we didn’t, there’s no way Snapdragon would have been here for 10 years! We are happy to be here and to offer cool stuff to this great town.

Q: What’s the best part of your job? Working with customers. It’s fun!