Lotus Boutique moved from the Galleria to Patton Creek. (Photo by David McElroy)
Local trendsetters are probably already familiar with Lotus Boutique, a women’s clothing shop at Patton Creek focused on trendy, affordable clothing that fits the “Lotus Look.”
“The Lotus Boutique brand is all about ready-to-wear young contemporary and trendy fashion that is ever-changing, fun and occasionally unexpected,” says Richard McGill, director of brand development for Lotus. “We have the clothing that trends on Pinterest and accessories that are exclusive to Lotus Boutique.”
Locals may have followed Lotus Boutique from the Riverchase Galleria, where the store was located until February 2015, to Patton Creek, where it opened in its new location in March 2015.
Lotus chose to relocate because the 9,000 square feet of the Galleria store was “overwhelming,” McGill says.
The Patton Creek location is smaller and is the perfect showcase for Lotus’ items, McGill adds.
Pair different layers, textures and pieces with the store’s full line of clothing and accessories. (Photo by David McElroy)
Those items are constantly changing, but McGill says the most popular items — such as game day dresses for college football games, maxi or mini dresses or clothing with crochet details — fit into the bohemian or Southern preppy styles.
“We always want to convey a look for every woman everywhere, but our goals are to create a mix of fashions that all consist of pieces from these two genres,” he says.
Lotus targets teenagers and young adults who identify as “social butterflies,” as well as moms and businesswomen who are interested in wearing more than typical pantsuits, McGill explains.
“We are obsessed with all of these categories and have something for all of them,” he says.
Lotus keeps the store inventory fresh by developing relationships with on-trend vendors, keeping on top of the latest fashions and regularly bringing in new items.
“Our relationship with vendors means we are able to receive clothing faster and sell it at a lower price point,” he says.
Lotus employees also pride themselves on their customer service skills and their ability to develop relationships with customers, McGill says.
“Lotus is here for you. Yes, we are open to sell clothing, but if you need to take just a little time out of your day to connect with someone, come to Lotus Boutique,” McGill says. “You will walk in a stranger and leave a friend.”
Lotus is itself a Southern business, as its first location opened in Mobile in 2006.
McGill says Hoover, with its young families and fashion-conscious population, was a perfect choice for a Lotus Boutique.
“We love the community and activities in Hoover and enjoy taking part in any and all community activities and sponsoring events in the area. We want to be the boutique that gives back to the community,” he says.
Locals can also expect to see more Lotus locations in the area soon.
“We are looking to improve the footprint of Lotus throughout the Southeast,” he says. “Birmingham and Hoover are filled with trendsetters, and we have seen this at both of our locations at the Summit and Patton Creek. There is no doubt we will be opening up more stores in that area within the next five years.”
The business name is a nod to the lotus flower’s history as a symbol of birth, growth and beauty.
“We have always taken this symbol and turned it into part of our work to make sure no matter what walk of life you come from, and no matter what dark place you are in, that you will walk into a Lotus and leave feeling amazing,” he says.
To see what Lotus has to offer, visit the Patton Creek location at 4375 Creekside Ave., Suite 125, or check out the website at Lotusboutique.com. You can also check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
