The Cutting Room Boutique celebrates five years of operating

The Cutting Room Boutique celebrated five years in business last month.

Situated in the historic Seneca Center, it specializes in timeless women’s fashions that offer comfort, function and versatility.

Fast fashion retailers release a new collection roughly once per week, churning out hyper-trendy but ultimately disposable apparel. The Cutting Room Boutique sources its styles from smaller designers who release a limited number of collections yearly. Focusing on quality over quantity has many benefits for both the consumer and the environment. Many of these designers have information on their websites about the steps they take to reduce environmental impact, such as employing innovative dyeing techniques that use less water, shipping in recycled containers, and donating unused fabric to arts programs.

Higher-quality merchandise often comes with a higher price tag. While there are some expensive items on the racks in The Cutting Room, prices throughout the store are on a broad spectrum of affordability. End-of-season sales can bring purchases even more within reach for some budgets. A recent sale on summer clothing featured markdowns of up to 70%, pricing some items as low as $15.

In addition to clothing, The Cutting Room stocks fashion accessories and smaller items that could make thoughtful gifts. Gift wrapping is offered free of charge.

The Cutting Room is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Seneca Center will hold a holiday open house from 10 a.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Cutting Room, as well as many other businesses in the building, will offer deals, specials, and sales to kick off the holiday shopping season.

EVA MURPHY is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post. She writes a column on businesses, churches and other entities in the city.