Alma's Pre-loved Boutique

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Posted 2014-07-20 by Susan J Bowes ⇒ follow

When I heard the name "Alma's Secondhandrose Pre-loved Boutique" I immediately thought of my Mum as that is her name, an old name that has never come back in fashion like Ruby, Bronte, Erin, Ava etc. So my thoughts were; is this boutique owned by an Alma? Only one way to find out and that was to visit.

I was delighted not only because the name of the boutique was cleverly devised from the two owner's first two letters of their names, being Al & Ma to create Alma, but also to find that one of the co-owners was a girlfriend from my primary school years. Alex and Maree had worked for many years at the Salvation Army used clothing store in Maryborough, Alex being the manageress. With their expertise and flair, they felt together they could bring a unique difference to the usual second hand clothing store. And I'm here to tell you they certainly have.

They do not purchase from their customers, preferring to purchase from another source. All clothing is laundered prior to sale and I was impressed by their creative skills in displaying the merchandise. The use of antique window frames, wooden ironing boards, chairs and tables added a striking effect on the customer's visual senses as one is easily lured further into the shop. Articles were categorised in colour and size. Sizes range from 8 to 20 something with a turnover between 500-600 garments per month. It is important to Alex and Maree that the satisfaction of each customer is achieved with their purchase and in doing so they are happy to spend as much time as necessary with each person. All pre-loved garments display a tag advising that they are pre-loved.

Open since 1st May 2012, the boutique has only recently started advertising. Ninety-nine percent of the fashion accessories are new articles and one could easily outfit her entire wardrobe for work and play. Being a hat person, I was drawn to the numerous styles available. It would be easy to spend an hour or more in Alma's immersing yourself in the quality and quantity available. Exquisite, lace-crocheted bags are made especially for Alma's as part of their wares.

Their clientele has not been limited to the local area with many patrons returning from interstate on their next trip to Wide Bay. Definitely a must when clothes and accessory shopping is on your agenda. Not once did I even feel remotely like I was in a second-hand clothing store, in fact I felt alive with the diversity Alex and Maree have created.