Virtual to Reality

“Dallas is very traditional in its clothing, and that wasn’t really my style,” says Amanda Fink, co-owner of The Little Things boutique.“My husband and I started shopping around for brands that were a little bit trendier, but it turned out to be a challenge.” The solution? Recruiting her mother Cindy Weed as co-owner, Fink launched an e-commerce site in Fall ’14, offering one-stop shopping for parents seeking unique children’s brands. In the meantime, the duo continued searching for the perfect spot to open their dream store. In April of last year, The Little Things boutique made its brick-and-mortar debut in an old house in East Dallas.

Customers are greeted with bright-colored walls adorned with local art, rustic shelving and racks made from galvanized pipes. While the cozy cottage-feel is certainly welcoming, Weed and Fink knew their littlest shoppers would need something more to be impressed. “We always wanted a playroom,” says Fink, a mother of two familiar with the challenges of shopping with little ones. Filled with everything from coloring books to toys, the playroom is just one aspect of the store’s exceptional customer service. Another example? The pair works to maximize what the playroom has to offer by hosting special events for kids. “We offer story time and have themed parties,” explains Weed. “We always want our littlest customers to feel welcome.”