Hey Everyone, It's Brittany, Owner of Mercy Boutique!

Hi loves, i'm back at it again! So, I thought I’d take a moment to share a little bit about me and my role as the owner of Mercy Boutique. You know, I get this question ALL the time “What is it that you do?” And then there’s the classic, “So you just like put outfits together and take pics, right?” Oh, wouldn’t that be nice! If only running a business was as simple as playing dress-up! 😂

 But in all seriousness, I totally get it—these are valid questions, especially for those who might not be super familiar with the fashion business. So, let’s dive in and give you a sneak peek into my world!

In a nutshell, I wear a lot of hats: I’m a fashion merchandiser, an independent e-commerce fashion buyer, a visual merchandiser, a fashion trend analyst, a fashion & style blogger, and a fashion marketer and more. Yep, I’m basically a one-woman fashion army! 💪 But each of these roles has its own fun little quirks and responsibilities, so let me break it down for you.

The Life of a Fashion Buyer:

As a fashion buyer, my job is all about picking the right products and negotiating with suppliers—think of me as the ultimate fashion matchmaker! I have to balance aesthetics, appeal, quality, and cost. It’s not just about buying pretty things; it’s about anticipating trends and keeping the brand image fresh while making sure our customers are happy with what they see.

A fashion buyer is like the glue that holds everything together. I connect what consumers dream about with the fabulous products that the fashion world creates. It’s not just about what hits the shelves but also how much of it makes it there. I’ve got to do some serious strategic planning, which means analyzing past sales, keeping an eye on current market trends, and making projections for the future. It’s all about making sure our product lineup aligns with the big picture of my business!

Also let’s not forget about building awesome relationships with suppliers and designers! My responsibility in working with suppliers and manufacturers is of utmost importance. I prioritize building and nurturing these relationships, as they significantly influence everything from product quality to delivery efficiency. Selecting the right partners is not a simple task; it involves a rigorous selection process based on various criteria, including capacity, expertise, quality assurance systems, infrastructure, financial stability, and past performance. there’s a lot of negotiating and financial planning involved to ensure I’m working within a budget while still snagging the best quality products at the best prices. Once I have identified and selected a suitable supplier, the terms of engagement are formalized through a contract. These documents outline all expectations and responsibilities moving forward, ensuring a clear and productive partnership.

Next up is the fun part—selecting the merchandise! This is truly the heart of what it means to be a fashion buyer. Based on my research and my understanding of what my target audience will love, I get to decide what fabulous pieces to bring into the boutique! I also take care of inventory management, which is super important! I keep track of how much stock we have on hand, and I always consider things like seasonal trends, what our customers are looking for, and what sold well in the past.

 There are various types of fashion buyers in the industry, and I am what you would refer to as a "E-commerce Fashion Buyer." My primary responsibility is to curate products specifically for online shopping, ensuring that I consider my digital audience at every step. This includes focusing on visual appeal and maintaining accuracy in product descriptions. A thorough understanding of online shopping behavior is essential in this role. Additionally, I cater to customers across the United States, which presents both challenges and exciting opportunities. By analyzing trends and preferences, I strive to create an engaging online shopping experience that meets the diverse needs of our clientele. 

Trend Analysis:

Alright, people, let’s dive into the next position: Trend Analysis! As I’m typing this, I just glanced back at my previous work and wow, it’s a bit of a novel! I’ve still got a lot to cover in this blog, so I’m going to do my best to keep it short and sweet while still giving you the full scoop. Once I get started, I could talk—or in this case, type—about fashion all day! I’m a terrible texter, but put me in front of a computer, and I’ll ramble on about fashion for hours! Go figure, right? 😅

Oh, and just a little side note- fun fact: it’s currently 4 AM as I write this, and I need to be back up for work in about two hours. Am I passionate or just plain crazy? You decide! haha So if you’ve heard me say I’m fueled by Jesus and coffee, well, now you can probably see why! 😂 Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked, so let’s get back to Trend Analysis...

Trend Analysis is the beating heart of fashion buying. It delves into Consumer psychology which is the cornerstone of effective fashion buying. It goes beyond the surface level of trends and delves into the motivations, aspirations, and influences that drive purchasing decisions. As a fashion buyer, I meticulously study and predict trends, ensuring I have a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior paired with a keen eye for emerging styles.

Fashion is not merely about the garments we choose to wear; it’s about the statements we make through those choices. Understanding the psychology of fashion consumption provides a panoramic view of the motives and influences that guide buying decisions. I must grasp consumers' motivations and desires, social influences, emotions, cultural contexts, and the various segments within the market.

To effectively connect with our audience, I focus on market segmentation, which includes demographic, psychographic, geographic, and behavioral analysis. Once I identify these segments, I tailor my marketing strategies to resonate with each group, ensuring that our offerings align with their unique preferences and needs.

Understanding my consumers is pivotal to my success as a fashion buyer. Conducting thorough research is key to this process, employing both primary and secondary research methods, observation techniques, and digital analytics. By analyzing these insights, I can strategically position our products in a way that not only meets market demand but also inspires and engages our fashion-savvy clientele.

Visual Merchandiser, Fashion Marketer, Fashion & Style Blogger:

In the same way that captivating displays draw customers into a retail store, I take on the responsibility of enhancing your online shopping experience through effective visual merchandising. As an online visual merchandiser, my focus is on utilizing engaging visuals to improve your shopping journey. Consider it creating a welcoming digital space tailored specifically for you.

My role encompasses all aspects of technology and design, allowing me to stay current with the latest trends in website design. Web design involves the meticulous planning, conceptualization, and implementation of layouts that ensure both functionality and an optimal user experience. A positive user experience is central to the web design process.

I strategically manage various elements, such as the aesthetics of the homepage, the quality of product imagery, and the thoughtful placement of product recommendations on the cart page. Unlike physical stores that thrive on the element of discovery, my objective in the eCommerce space is to efficiently guide you through your shopping experience. I aim to present the most relevant products and offers before you consider exploring other websites.

Visual merchandising extends beyond mere aesthetics; it is a strategic marketing approach that leverages lighting, color, displays, and technology to effectively showcase products. In addition to visual merchandising, I also oversee marketing efforts for my brand's clothing and accessories, with the goal of enhancing sales and brand visibility. My strategies include developing a compelling brand image, identifying target audiences, creating engaging content, maintaining customer communication, utilizing digital marketing channels, coordinating events, and placing advertisements. Much of my marketing efforts are focused on online platforms and social media.

An exciting aspect of my role includes attending trade shows, expositions, and showroom visits to stay connected with industry trends. Recently, I have expanded my obligations to include fashion and style blogging, where I create and share content related to the fashion industry and lifestyle on an online platform. My content ranges from outfit inspiration and trend analyses to product reviews and personal insights. Ultimately, my goal is to share my passion for fashion with a wider audience and contribute meaningfully to the fashion

The Joys of Running a Boutique:

So, that’s a little peek into what I do on a daily basis! There’s definitely more to my story, but this pretty much sums it up. My work is truly my passion, and I find myself busy working from the moment I wake up until I tuck myself in at night. But honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way! Working here at Mercy Boutique brings me so much joy.

I do most of my work from my cozy home office, with the occasional remote locations and business outings. It’s my happy place—a healthy and supportive environment where I can truly be myself. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity every single day. I thank God for letting me bring my vision to life.

It certainly hasn’t always been a smooth journey, but by the grace of God and hard work I’ve made it this far, and the best part is, I’m just getting started! Every day brings new opportunities and challenges, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. It’s amazing to see how a small idea can blossom into something beautiful, connecting with wonderful customers along the way.

From curating the latest fashion trends to creating a welcoming atmosphere, my role is all about bringing my vision to life. I love the thrill of discovering unique pieces that make our customers smile and feel confident. Being the owner means I get to express my creativity daily, and trust me, there’s never a dull moment!

Thank you for your incredible support being a part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to share more about our adventures at Mercy Boutique! I hope you have a wonderfully blessed day.

Sincerely, Brittany Saucier