As the start of another school year welcomed back Miami University students this fall, something was different about the business strip on High Street. What used to be a space for rent has been filled with a new boutique, or rather, a Bluetique.

The name itself is an attention-getting play on traditional boutique names. However, one look through the glass windows into the classy, yet urban shop has truly been keeping the attention of customers since its doors opened.

“We are very lucky to be nestled in here on High Street. Business has been really great and we have definitely felt very successful here,” said Ashley Keaton, Bluetique store manager.

Keaton grew up in Oxford and graduated from Miami University in 2008. She said she felt there was a need for a place like Bluetique in the community for students and residents alike. “Sometimes I felt like I had to go out of town for basics or jeans. You always need a little more options uptown,” she said.

If the colorful graffiti on the walls don’t strike a passerby’s attention, the price of the trendy clothes will. With what Bluetique has to offer, any customer can easily transition from a casual, daytime look to a dressy, evening outfit without breaking the budget.

“It’s a really relaxed atmosphere. I feel like the store is young, fun, and fresh. We have something for everyone,” said Sarah Burkhard, sales associate at Bluetique.

An important factor in reaching as many customers as possible is the price point. A key to retail success is Bluetique’s slogan, “cheap and chic.” This clearly voices its commitment to affordability and accessibility.

“I went in the beginning of the year when it was brand new. I really like their jewelry and everything is decently priced,” said Julia Myers, a junior early childhood education major at Miami University.

Oxford isn’t the first to welcome a trendy addition to the community. The first location is in Lexington, Ky., which started out strictly as a denim store almost two years ago. Hence, the origin of the name “Bluetique.” The success of the store led to an expansion ranging from jackets to dresses and every kind of accessory in between.

“We are expanding based on need,” Keaton said. “Every employee aims to be in tune with the needs of the customer. We write down requests that they have have and try to get a hold of everything we can for them.”

The Oxford location hopes to open an online store in the near future. The boom of business quickly impacts the availability of items, which Keaton aims to address.

Not only is Bluetique a refreshing place to check out the latest trends, there’s always an old fashioned Ale 8 and a pair of free pearl earrings with every customer’s name on it.