Mainstream Boutique lets shoppers buy local and give back to the community
When people support small businesses, they often give back to the community year-round.
Ashley Almendares, owner of Mainstream Boutique in Cranberry Township, at 20325 Route 19, is enthusiastic about giving back.
Mainstream Boutique has hosted several charity shopping parties. Most recently, it hosted a party for Haine teachers and staff, with 10% of sales donated to the Haine Parent Teacher Organization. The shop also had two Rowan Elementary shopping days, donating the percentage to the Rowan Parent Teacher Association.
For those who are looking for a reason to hit the stores on Giving Tuesday, Mainstream Boutique Cranberry is donating 10% of the sales to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The giving will continue into the new year when in January they will host an after-hours private shopping event and donate a percentage to the United Way.
One of the features of Mainstream Boutique is its commitment to supporting local businesses. Its latest line, Crabapple Hollow, is a candle company in nearby Evans City. In addition, the boutique regularly hosts in-store pop-ups, giving local small businesses the opportunity to sell their products or services, which have included a diverse range, from permanent jewelry, hair tinsel, shoes, jewelry, hats and more.
“My customers love it,” Almendares said.
The boutique is committed to providing a distinct shopping experience and a welcoming, inclusive environment for all shoppers.
“As a multigenerational boutique, Mainstream has something for everyone, from daughters to mothers to grandmothers,” Almendares said.
The shop employs seven experienced stylists who are trained in body type and color analysis to select the wares that complement the person. Customers receive one-on-one attention from stylists.
“We pride ourselves on giving our customers an amazing experience. We want her to feel amazing when she leaves our store. We give honest feedback on fit and style,” Almendares said.
Almendares will celebrate her first anniversary as owner in December, and she credits the prior owner for setting her up for success. Almendares has years of experience in retail and pursues the goal of ensuring that every customer leaves feeling confident and beautiful, celebrating women through fashion.
“It means we support, encourage and compliment fellow women through fashion in both business and personal life, so they feel as beautiful as they look,” Almendares said.
This holiday season, the boutique is offering several deals and events during Thanksgiving week, on Small Business Saturday, and on Cyber Monday.
Hours at the boutique are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
“Women are the fabric of our world, the strength, the elastic and the sparkle. We love being a part of the customers every day, family, fun times, special occasions and cozy times at home,” Almendares said.
