I feel like there’s many people out there who want to shop in independent clothing boutiques more than they currently do, but they’re putting up barriers for themselves. Maybe they’ve had bad experiences in the past, they’ve never started and it’s hard to break department store habits, they’re stereotyping or misjudging shops, or many other reasons.

The purpose of this Do It Smarter post is to provide some tips and ideas to help break down some barriers I’ve witnessed in people as a shop owner and as a shopper myself.

1. Don’t pass judgment on a boutique without going in YOURSELF. You won’t be shot for popping in, taking a look around and leaving without buying. If there’s a shop you walk by frequently and have never been in before–go in! See exactly what’s there. And no, you cannot know everything about a shop from its windows. You also can’t entirely judge a shop based on what your co-workers or Yelp says. It’s a starting point and valuable, but it’s not your own personal experience.

2. Never automatically think “that shop is too expensive.” Especially if you’ve never gone in, as discussed above. You might be surprised to find a pair of $20 gloves in a shop that you never felt you could afford. Most shops always have a sales rack to peruse if their regular prices are just out of your budget.

3. Eliminate the “it’s inconvenient” excuse and just start with boutiques that are closest to you, ones you pass frequently. If there aren’t any that fit your style or needs by your home or work, then go to the next closest neighborhood where you can find at least a couple shops that you might like. Make an outing of it.

4. Once you’re in a boutique and looking around, tell employees or owners what you like, what you’re looking for and what you’d like to be notified about. One of the benefits of boutique shopping can be great, personal service. If you know you’re going to be looking for a dressy black coat, let them know. And if they have one on order, they’ll tell you when it’s there!

5. If you are typically a department store or chain retail shopper, start boutique shopping by looking for things you have general, rather than specific ideas on. Don’t start your boutique adventure by looking for a specific length black pencil skirt with an exactly 4-inch slit. Instead, start with shopping for a unique sweater or fun top for a dinner date.

6. Join email lists at a few boutiques you like. Most often they’ll let you know what’s new, give you recommendations, advertise sales and invite you to events.

7. Above all, keep an open mind, have fun and enjoy exploring unique retailers!

Supporting local, independent boutiques is vital to preserving neighborhood character, encouraging development, bringing unique points of view to the forefront and growing a local economy. Oh, and it can be really fun.

Do It Smarter category: These entries will discuss how to approach various activities in a smarter, easier way. They’re certainly not end-all-be-all “how tos,” but hopefully they provide some valuable ideas and tips.