4 minute read
More Than a Boutique
HOW MY GIRLFRIEND’S WARDROBE ELEVATES THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE
By Sarah O’Brien | Director, Downtown Inc | Photos by Gretchen Nevin
When you step into My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe, you’re greeted by the soft gleam of authentic Louis Vuitton, the warm familiarity of a favorite neighbor, and the promise that you’ll walk out just a little happier than you walked in.
This is the vision Alex Hammond set in motion more than a decade ago, when, as a fulltime student at Harrisburg University, she pitched the unlikeliest of internship proposals: launch her own business. With a 30-hour workweek, a full course load, and the pressure of finding a meaningful internship, Alex decided she’d create her own opportunity— and My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe was born.
What started in 2012 as an online consignment shop quickly evolved into a mobile store and then, in 2013, a brick-and-mortar destination on North Beaver Street. It was there, in Downtown York, that Alex found not only her storefront but also a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and loyal customers who have shaped her journey.
A DESTINATION BEYOND SHOPPING
Walk into My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe today, and you’ll immediately sense the difference. Alex and her team have built something more than a boutique—it’s an experience grounded in authentic relationships and a genuine love for fashion.
“I wanted it to feel like you were shopping at your friend’s house,” Alex explains. “That you’d come in, have some girl talk, try on clothes, and leave feeling better about your day.”
Here, shoppers are greeted by familiar faces, and employees know not just their names but their stories. The team doesn’t simply ring up purchases; they provide education and confidence, offering guidance on everything from caring for a first designer handbag to styling a special-occasion outfit.
RAISING THE BAR FOR PERSONALIZED RETAIL
Alex believes Downtown York’s retailers are redefining what it means to shop small. After the pandemic, customers crave more than convenience—they want connection and consistency.
“You can walk into any big box store and never speak to anyone,” she says. “Here, you’ll be greeted, you’ll have a conversation, and you’ll leave feeling like you matter.”
It’s this philosophy that has helped My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe become a destination not only for York County shoppers but also for visitors from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Customers travel hours for exclusive luxury “bag drops,” Lilly Pulitzer parties, and seasonal sales that transform the shop into a vibrant hub of community and style.
A COMMITMENT TO DOWNTOWN YORK
Alex’s success is deeply entwined with her passion for Downtown York as a whole. She has championed the return of the Mother’s Day Outdoor Market, an event that draws foot traffic to dozens of surrounding businesses and underscores the power of collaboration. She is quick to credit the businesses and mentors who supported her along the way—from longtime neighbors to landlords committed to keeping downtown accessible for independent retailers.
“You’re joining a community that wants to see you succeed,” Alex says. “If everyone does well, everyone rises.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Looking ahead, My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe will continue to lean into its thriving luxury category while remaining true to its roots: offering exceptional, accessible style at every price point. Online sales are already outpacing prior years, and in-store growth shows no signs of slowing down.
But no matter how much the business expands, Alex’s mission remains simple: create a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and a little more joyful than when they arrived.
38 N Beaver Street | mygirlfriendswardrobe.net
ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY
Downtown York is full of independent retailers like Alex who are redefining what shopping means—blending personal connection with curated experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re searching for a statement piece, a thoughtful gift, or simply a friendly conversation, you’ll find it here, among the boutiques that make Downtown York extraordinary. For additional elevated and personalized retail experiences in Downtown York, check out these other longstanding retailers:
Watchmaker’s Daughter | 22 S Beaver St | watchmakersdaughter.net
Dapper Dolls | 11 W Philadelphia St | dapperdollspinup.com
Indigo Blue | 39 W Philadelphia St | indigobleufashion.com
Sunrise Soap Company | 29 N Beaver St | sunrisesoapco.com
Revolt Style Studio | 26 N Beaver St | revoltstylestudio.com
For a complete list of Downtown York retailers, visit downtownyorkpa.com
