Fresh off the haute couture heels of the Amy Kirchen Boutique re-opening event, I have a bunch of pics of the event and her new space!

I was so impressed with the new location. The entrance is more eye-catching and grand than the last — complete with regal pilars and luxurious outdoor chandeliers. The space inside isn’t a ton bigger than her last space … I think it’s just divided up better to allow for private parties in the back, larger dressing rooms (I believe she only had one small one before), a showcase room for her custom designs and a larger display area in the front for her retail.

Kirchen said the back area is going to be popular for bridal parties a girl’s night outs (they’re just a couple doors down from 20 Brix, one of my favorite wine bars in Cincinnati!).

Although it’s a lot of work for Kirchen to be moving to a new space not even a year after she opened in her previous location, I do think it was smart to start out the way she did. She opened in a smaller space, learned what her client demands were and what she needed from a brick-and-mortar store. Then, about a year later, she expanded to accomodate to those needs.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen so many boutiques go big out of the gates, squander their start-up funds on unnecessary expenses, and it usually ends up getting the best of them. So, I’m very proud of Amy and how she’s strategically growing at at steady, manageable pace.

I’m also really impressed with her price points. Of course, her custom work is more expensive, but her retail is very reasonable. Just as an example, I got a cute blue grecian-inspired summer dress for around $40 and a great long-sleeved LBD with a laser-cut print for $89. Not bad at all for boutique prices!

Oh! And great news! I just found out that Amy will be debuting her complete fall / winter 2012 collection to the public at our Red, Pink and Blue fashion show on June 23, 2012. Make sure you’re subscribed to Cincy Chic to be the first to know about it!

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