INTERMIX

So here's the thing about Intermix-it's basically what happens when someone decides boutique shopping shouldn't feel like work. Founded back in 1993 in New York, this women's fashion retailer has carved out this interesting space where high-end meets accessible, kind of like having a really stylish friend who actually knows what looks good on you.

The whole concept is right there in the name. They literally intermix pieces-taking emerging designers and putting them next to established names like Isabel Marant, Balmain, and Zimmermann. The brand offers a curated selection of styles from various designers including Isabel Marant, Balmain, Ulla Johnson, Zimmermann, AGOLDE, Sika, Acne, and Nanushka. But here's what makes it interesting: around one-third of its offerings are exclusive to the brand. That's a pretty significant chunk when you think about it.

They've had quite the journey ownership-wise. In 2012, Gap Inc. acquired INTERMIX for $130 million, then on May 21, 2021, Altamont Capital Partners, a private equity firm, acquired INTERMIX, and most recently in November 2022 Intermix was sold to Regent LP. All those ownership changes? Yeah, they've had an impact. In 2023 Intermix closed 17 of its stores.

What's always been their thing is this idea of complimentary styling services. They offer complimentary styling services in their boutiques and online-think of it like getting connected to a good friend with great style. It's not just about selling you clothes; it's about that whole "we've already done the editing for you" approach. Notice how they emphasize that? At INTERMIX, you'll never have to sift through floors or pages of clothes and accessories to find the perfect one: We've done the work for you.

The company operates both online and through physical boutiques, though the store count has definitely shrunk. They're big on mixing high and low, established and emerging, which means you might find a $2,000 designer piece next to something more accessible from their own INTERMIX Collection. INTERMIX has its own in-house designed collection called the INTERMIX Collection.

And they're not just about fashion-they've been vocal about using their platform for bigger conversations. They are proud to use their retail platform to advocate for and foster conversations about female empowerment, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. Whether that resonates with you or feels like marketing speak probably depends on your perspective, but it's part of their current identity.

The shopping experience is meant to feel personalized and, honestly, kind of fun. Not stuffy. Not intimidating. Just... easy. That's the pitch, anyway. Whether it delivers on that promise probably varies by location and who's helping you, but that's retail for you.