What started as a dream to open a new type of store in Columbus has now turned into a reality for Fabtique owners Pat Schmuki Barker and Amber Wilson. The women’s boutique opened in the Shops on Lane Avenue mid-October.
Barker and Wilson formerly worked together at White House Black Market, and maintained a solid friendship since. When Barker visited a boutique in Cleveland that had a unique selection of clothing items, she immediately had the idea to bring a similar shop to Columbus. She called Wilson, who was making arrangements to return to Columbus after a few years living in Florida, and they agreed to embark on this new adventure together.
While in the planning stages, there were three aspects the pair decided to focus on: offering brands currently not available in Columbus, having lots of variety, and engaging with customers. In order to accomplish the first two, Barker and Wilson did a lot of in-depth research, and traveled to a show in Las Vegas where they picked out unique items to bring home with them. They visited other Columbus area boutiques to ensure they were not offering the same brands or items in Fabtique. They want to support and build up the boutique community, so it was important to Barker and Wilson to offer items in their store not offered anywhere else as not to “steal” customers away.
The Fabtique employees are quick to greet customers and help them find what they are looking for. “We aren’t afraid to tell someone if what they picked out isn’t working for them,” Barker said. Barker and Wilson both want their customers to walk away satisfied with what they purchased and they are ready to offer helpful suggestions to their shoppers.
Self-proclaimed as “fun, trendy, and affordable,” Barker has one goal for Fabtique: For customers to have a good experience and want to come back. They offer a wide range of items, hoping everyone who enters their store can find something that appeals the them. Whether a business woman or college student, Barker and Wilson want each customer to find something in their price range that they will feel fashionable and confident wearing.
For more information, visit fabtique.clothing.