In Cape Girardeau boutiques, items are hand-picked at markets coast to coast

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, small businesses are the way to go.

In downtown Cape Girardeau, you won't find trucks delivering clothing and jewelry en masse. Instead, store owners travel to markets from Atlanta to Dallas to Los Angeles, where they hand pick and order every single item to sell in their store. We talked to three shop owners about the market experience. They all agreed that the markets are overwhelming but fun at the same time -- and going to market is by far the best way to find unique, high-quality items for their shops.

"Vegas is the big one for clothing. It's crazy out there; it's like the mecca of all shows," says Emily Hoehne, owner of Stash in downtown Cape Girardeau, referencing the twice-a-year Magic market in Las Vegas. "The first time I went I sat outside and said, 'I don't want to go back in there -- there are so many people!'"

Hoehne's favorite markets are in Dallas and Los Angeles; there are also big markets in Chicago and Atlanta. She travels to Los Angeles every month or month and a half to shop the markets for new items for her store.

"It's more laid back. It's not as rushed," she says. "You go in and they have the whole season set up. You pick what you want and they write the order. It's fun, but it's a long process."

Michaelyn Ross, owner of Bloom Studio & Gifts, frequents the home and gift shows in Atlanta, where she also has family.

"Market is typically a whirlwind -- very overwhelming, but so fun all at the same time," she says. "We go to see the products of companies we currently carry in-store, plus to find fun, new items to offer to our customers in Cape."

The main shows are in January and in either June or July, and Ross says she tries to go to both.

The markets themselves are a challenge, as is deciding which items to order, which ones will sell in Cape and how much of each item to order.

"If something really sticks out to me as being new or unique, that's usually a good sign that it will sell well," says Ross. "As far as quantity, since we're a small boutique we typically order in small quantities, but can almost always reorder if something is really popular."

For Ross and Hoehne, ordering is often a case of trial and error, but something that has become easier with experience.

"You go in with an idea and it totally changes, because you really don't know what they have," says Hoehne. "First and foremost besides looks is price. Clothes are so expensive now. You have to make sure it's in your price point and it's what you want."

Hoehne says she gravitates toward items that match her own style, but she also gets to know her customers and what items and styles they're interested in.

"When I was first starting out I was very cautious and I didn't buy a lot. Now when I go, I know my customers," she says. "Choosing stuff becomes easier as I learn who my customers are, but I still want them to have a variety so we're not carrying the same things over and over."

Cathy Pincksten owns Merci, a new boutique at Sprigg Street and Broadway in Cape Girardeau. She says living in Cape all her life, and having previous experience at a local shop, has helped give her a sense of what items to order for her store.

"I wanted to start slow to see what would sell in my store. Being open a month has helped me figure that out," she says. "A lot of people like running in for little gifts that are inexpensive and they can pick up and take for a birthday gift."

Pincksten travels to markets in Atlanta and Dallas; she's been twice before she opened, twice since she opened in May and will go again in August.

"I have a boutique with children's clothing, so I'm looking for unique children's gifts and clothing, and I also do home decor and gift items and jewelry," she says. "It's very overwhelming. There's a lot to look at, but you have to decide what is best for your boutique and what you think is going to sell."

Pincksten, Hoehne and Ross all like going to market to see and touch the items, making sure they're of good quality and even meeting the vendors or crafters. Establishing relationships with vendors is good for business even after the market: some vendors will stay in touch with new items and their market schedules, accept additional orders and help store owners decide what items will sell in their area.

"In Vegas you don't really get to talk to people. There are so many people there, and they just want you in and out," says Hoehne. "In Dallas, where there are several shows a year, you can actually talk with people and get to know them. And once you meet them, they are much more willing to help you and get to know you on a personal level instead of just a business relationship. Most relationships are with vendors."

Ross also likes the opportunity to meet with other small-business owners as well as vendors and crafters.

"It's fun to meet other people with similar businesses, goals and problems," she says. "We have lasting contacts with some sales reps and smaller companies ... It helps a lot to have someone working for a company, but really working for you. They know your store and your style, so they can help with orders or make recommendations."