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Piece Unique’s Uncommon Personal Touch

This mother-daughter boutique gives shoppers a classic experience

Article by By Mariah Hebbeln

Photography by Jenny Losee + Mariah Hebbeln

Originally published in Boise Lifestyle

On the corner of 10th & Idaho is a boutique charming and unique in its own style. The shop’s large windows bring waves of natural light, brightening up the soft yellow walls and racks of intentionally gathered clothing. The shop feels like home, as employees treat each customer like a part of the family.

Owner Natalie Durham became the owner of Piece Unique in 2005.  Her daughters, Natasha, Alex, and Taylor, have memories of spending hours in the shop after school and during summers, perhaps more than they wanted at the time.

The unique piece about this boutique is the personal touch that Natalie, her daughters, and employees give every customer who walks through the door. Even if you don’t know what you’re looking for, with the right information the team can create a customized shopping experience with your budget in mind. Taylor, Natalie’s youngest daughter, once sold the jacket off her back because she knew it would make one customer’s special outfit complete.

On the first floor of the boutique, you’ll find clothes with high-end brand names with jeans, shoes, jewelry, and even elegant gowns filling the rows. Natalie and her daughters like to seek out local and regional designers. This helps support creators in the area but also cuts down costs and use of resources from shipping.

On the second floor, or rather, up in the loft, Piece Unique sells brand name items on consignment. These pieces are brought to Natalie and once the item is sold, the seller receives 60% of the sale as store credit.

“Our customers get to make money off a piece they no longer love, and someone else is happy to buy it at a much lower price. And then they can use the credit to buy something new from the shop,” Natalie’s daughter, Alex, shared.

Natalie’s girls affectionately exchange stories about Natalie’s generosity. Good times or hard, she finds the energy and resources to donate to Ballet Idaho, the Rescue Mission, and Interfaith Sanctuary. Her popular and highly sought-after donation, 12 months of $100 gift cards, can be found at galas around town.

Natalie has created a special shopping experience for everyone. Your budget can be large or small, and you will still find something special on the shelves. People with different body types and styles can all find a piece to fall in love with. Even men and those with a more masculine sense of style can shop in their modest men’s section. Piece Unique is truly that— unique.

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