Looking for a classic black cocktail dress? Or maybe a flowy, hippie-chic top is more your style? In a small town like Auburn, finding a place to shop for original looks isn't always the easiest task. The one mall we have is a bit lackluster and while online shopping has its perks, there's no guarantee that what's ordered is true to the color online or will even fit in all the right places. Being trendy is a constant struggle.
Luckily, there are a few key boutiques scattered around College Street that satiate any fashionista's needs. one in particular has a completely unique vibe, with various collections for any and every fashion taste. Behind the glass, with its rustic decor and vibrant pops of color, has a little something for everybody and any occasion.
Behind the Glass is an Auburn hot spot known for its trendy, eclectic merchandise, but it hasn't always been the store we know and love today. Current owner Donna Young opened it in 1987. Its focus back then, however, wasn't on trendy high-waisted shorts or adorable scalloped crop tops. Instead, it served as a coffee shop, art gallery, bookstore and children's clothing store.
In fact, clothing wasn't even the main focus in Behind the Glass until 2006. Home decor held the floor and the front window display, while clothes were upstairs where Yogafly now resides.
Chloe Popwell, general manager, Young's daughter and senior in apparel merchandising, said there's a rich history behind the beloved boutique.
"The cafe closed down in '98, and in 2006 the clothes moved from upstairs to downstairs where they are now," Popwell said. "(We've) always been passionate about clothes and home decor. Clothes have always been our strongest viewpoint."
In its early days, Behind the Glass sold clothing with more earthy, hippie vibes. Now it has a multitude of choices with varying prices and popular brand names such as Free People, Citizens of Humanity, Ark & Co. and Level 99. They get shipments in on almost a daily basis.
"I feel like since we're such a big store we have a lot of variety," Popwell said. "And I think what's really great is yes, we're a Free People pop-up store, so we have those kinds of price points that are a little higher, but we do have lower price points that are still really cute and trendy as well."\0x2028Behind the Glass gives each customer the capability of completing an entire head-to-toe look in one visit.
Paige Dean, sophomore in accounting and sales manager at the store, was a dedicated customer long before she worked for the boutique.
"BtG has always been my go-to place since I enrolled at Auburn," Dean said. "Whether it be a formal or a night out, I always went there. The workers seemed to genuinely love their jobs and I wanted to be a part of that."
Dean believes that Behind the Glass is unique solely based on its attention to customer service.
"When you walk in the store, we all genuinely want to help you find exactly what you're looking for and help you look your best," Dean said. "The staff is a family and I think that is felt throughout the store every day."
With its history, come many loyal customers who have been along for the entire ride. Dean said it's always fun to see people come in who remember when the cafe was upstairs.
"Being an established boutique is not an easy task and I think having those same loyal customers throughout all the transformations of the store brings character to the place," Dean said.
Behind the glass' personality shines in every part of the store, with giant murals of artwork spread across the walls, hanging sunflower vases in the front windows and sunglasses, frames, candles, jewelry and other knick knacks displayed around fashion-forward mannequins. One step inside and the store's vibrant personality practically screams at you.
Store manager Sarah Bretz believes the store's history has an important reflection on what it has become in the past 25 years.
"I definitely believe the store's past is important. I mean, all of us as human beings have a past (and) history that makes us who we are today," Bretz said. "We all have under-gone trials and blessings that have shaped us into the person we are.
In the same way, BtG has received transformations, blessings and trials. That's how we ended up where we are now. Twenty-five years later and still kicking!"
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