Exploring downtown Auburn's boutique scene: Fashion, community and local charm

Shopping for clothing can sometimes feel overwhelming, but downtown Auburn offers a vibrant selection of stylish boutiques to make the experience easier. Whether one is looking for timeless pieces at established spots like Behind the Glass or exploring newer additions like The Mix, downtown Auburn has something for every shopper.

The area is home to a wide array of boutiques, each with its own distinct collection and story. Behind the Glass, Auburn's oldest boutique, has been a staple since 1987. The store’s mission is to help women find outfits that not only look great, but also foster confidence and empowerment.

What began as a café combined with a clothing store, originally called Tara and Behind the Glass, has transformed into downtown's largest boutique, according to store manager Chloe Floyd.

“Being located in downtown Auburn is really special,” Floyd said. “We’re fortunate to be so close to campus, and we have wonderful, loyal customers. We get a lot of foot traffic, especially from college students.”

Since the café closed in 1998, Behind the Glass has been able to expand significantly, now offering a two-story shopping experience with a wide range of clothing options.

“Our size really sets us apart,” Floyd said. “We can offer a diverse selection for customers of all ages and styles, from head to toe.”

As the oldest boutique downtown, Behind the Glass has experienced many changes over the years. However, Floyd believes the store’s strong sense of community has remained constant.

Kelly Poole, co-owner of Ellie Clothing, has also observed how downtown Auburn – and shopping habits – have evolved over time.

“There’s definitely more development now, with more condos and changes to the area,” Poole said. “But I think the biggest shift has been the rise of social media. People can now browse our store online before coming in, which used to be less common.”

Ellie Clothing opened in Nov. 2003 and offers a variety of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. The store focuses on providing trendy yet affordable options for women of all ages, with a particular emphasis on college students.

“Being in downtown Auburn is so much fun,” Poole said. “We get a great mix of customers – students, parents, visitors to the campus – it’s always lively and exciting.”

Although Ellie Clothing is known for its game-day attire, Poole emphasized that the store offers a wide variety of pieces suitable for women of different ages and sizes.

Another popular boutique, Fab’rik, has been part of downtown Auburn since 2018. Manager Tanya Fuller is enthusiastic about the experience of owning a store in the area.

“Downtown Auburn is a fantastic place to have a boutique,” Fuller said. “It’s so special to me, and it really brings people together, especially during game days.”

Though Fab’rik is a regional chain with locations throughout the south, Fuller ensures her store offers a unique experience tailored to the Auburn community.

“Being older, I carry clothing for both older women and college students, so we cater to a wide range of customers,” Fuller explained. “Our customer service is also exceptional, and I believe that sets us apart from other boutiques.”

Charming Oaks, another beloved downtown boutique, has built a reputation for its wide selection of merchandise.

“We pride ourselves on having the best and largest inventory, and we keep our prices affordable, which is important for college students,” said owner Shelby Cohan.

Opening in 2016, Charming Oaks focuses on offering a variety of products at budget-friendly prices, with a special emphasis on attracting college students.

“We want to create a stress-free shopping experience where people feel welcome,” Cohan said. “Downtown Auburn is a wonderful place to run a business.”

Cohan has also seen how social media has changed the downtown shopping scene and wishes more people would shop at small local businesses rather than larger online retailers.

While downtown boutiques in Auburn have certainly evolved over the years, they share a common goal: to provide stylish, affordable clothing for women of all ages and sizes.