Editor's Note: This article is part of a new online series launched in July 2023 by the City of Gainesville intended to highlight and promote must-try businesses in the area of the historic square in downtown Gainesville, Georgia. As the community continues to flourish and welcome new restaurants, retailers and service providers – especially within the downtown corridor – leadership wishes to introduce available offerings to residents and visitors alike ahead of their next trip to the City of Gainesville. Must-Try Monday features will be released weekly via gainesville.org and the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment (City of Gainesville, Georgia) Facebook page. Be sure to "Like" and follow us on social media so you don't miss the latest and greatest about the Hospitality Capital of the World!
Dress Up Boutique | 200 Washington St. NW, Unit B | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday + noon-6 p.m. Sunday
*Extended holiday hours Nov. 24-Dec. 23 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday*
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Nov. 20, 2023) – A women’s clothing and accessories brand with 17 storefronts across the Southeast, plus an online store, Dress Up Boutique is often at the top of many shoppers' Christmas lists.
"We get in over 70 new affordable arrivals every week, with new collections releasing two to three times weekly," states Dress Up Director of Marketing + Design Hillary Harper Etienne.
Whether online or in store, Etienne states the company strives to ensure customers experience the "Dress Up Touch" while shopping at any one of their storefronts.
"Our heart['s desire] is to keep changing the world, one dress at a time," she states. "Our goal is to make every experience just that; an experience, not just shopping."
Learn the ins and outs of Dress Up Boutique, what makes it a Must-Try Monday-worthy business and why you should make it a destination the next time you're near downtown Gainesville by reviewing the exclusive Q+A with Etienne below.
Q: When did your business open and where? If your business has operated at other locations, please list those.
A: The first Dress Up storefront opened on the Dahlonega square in 2009, and has since expanded to 17 store locations across Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida.
Q: How long have you been operating on the historic square in downtown Gainesville?
A: Dress Up Gainesville was our second brick-and-mortar location, opening in 2010.
Q: What drew you to operate your business in downtown Gainesville?
A: We started in Dahlonega and already had an existing customer base from Gainesville, so it made sense for us to expand to the city.
Q: What kinds of products and/or services does your business offer to the public?
A: We offer trendy women’s clothing, shoes and accessories at an affordable price point. We want to keep our guests at the top of the latest trends without having to spend a fortune!
Q: Can you give some examples of unique products and/or services you offer that aren’t easily replicated elsewhere in town?
A: Our team is constantly working to find styles with the best quality and fit at the best price. We also have our line of DU Exclusive local custom tees, pullovers and more that you can only shop at Dress Up.
Q: What offerings are you most proud of and why? Give us the scoop!
A: We are proud to offer very affordable clothing at a local level, and provide exceptional customer service and store atmosphere at a high value.
Q: Do you target a specific audience? If so, can you please specify?
A: We carry trendy and affordable women’s clothing, and truly have something for everyone!
Q: If you aim to target everyone, can you please explain how and through what products and/or services?
A: We have statement jewelry and accessories starting at $4.99, specific styles with extended sizing, and our local DU Exclusives are unisex styles with sizing up to XXL!
Q: What is your favorite “must try” item you offer and why?
A: Whether you are local to the Gainesville area or just visiting, our custom line of DU Exclusive tees, pullovers, hats and more are a must-try! We have styles specific to Gainesville, Georgia, and local schools.
Q: In your own words, what makes your business a positive addition to the downtown cityscape?
A: At Dress Up, we provide affordable women’s fashion with an exceptional guest experience at a local level in downtown Gainesville.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: We are excited about the growth of the Gainesville square since opening with the addition of new restaurants and retail to the downtown mix!
PHOTO CUTLINE | Dress Up Boutique is located at 200 Washington St. NW, Unit B, on the historic square in downtown Gainesville. Find additional photos shared via the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment Facebook page.