A store that is knot to be missed

Unique & Knotty Boutique brings its style to Depoe Bay

By Gretchen Ammerman

Oregon Coast TODAY

From the signature fern-green reusable shopping bags to the spa-like dressing room area and inventory of unique and stylish clothes and accessories, Unique & Knotty Boutique in Depoe Bay is well worth a visit.

The stunning shop has a very welcoming atmosphere, helped in no small part by four-legged ambassador Violet.

“She’s such a big part of the shop,” said owner Brooke Getty, who purchased the business from its original owner this spring. “People come in and fall in love with her and I’m like, ‘Hey guys, I’m cool, too.’ But I love having her as my professional greeter. And she has to pay for her free rent somehow.”

Though maintaining much of the vision of the original store, formerly housed in the Salishan Marketplace, Getty has been slowly adding items that don’t just look good, but also fit with her ethics and interests.

“We often say it was a ‘loving transfer,’” she said. “The store already had a great aesthetic, so it has been easy for me to build on that.”

An outdoor enthusiast, Getty is attracted to the type of clothing and accessories that make living in, or visiting, the Pacific Northwest more enjoyable. Hats that will keep you warm on cold days or shaded on sunny ones, sun dresses in fun fabrics and attractive coats, ponchos and hoodies made from natural fibers that can help you roll with whatever the weather serves up.

“I have a variety of things that are great for locals and visitors,” she said. “I hear a lot that people come here and are surprised by the weather, so it’s nice to have things like beanies or a nice hoody that can be worn after you go home because it’s stylish and good quality and a nice way to remember your trip. Local customers have also been known to come back because they liked the curated style.”

The approachable prices also attract repeat visits, including the sale rack for the “savvy shopper.”

“Pricing is a big thing for me,” Getty said. “I want to supply quality clothing that is good for our climate and our weather that is still affordable, whether for work, wearing down to the beach or for a nice event.”

Ultimately, though, it should feel good to wear.

“Comfort is also a big thing for me,” she said. “When I am choosing clothing to carry, I look for comfortable, cozy, durable and stylish.”

Getty also carefully chooses clothes for men, from beachwear to more formal choices.

“My men’s clothes are geared toward being functional yet also sharp looking so they can be worked in, then thrown in the wash and worn out to dinner,” she said. “I am finding that a lot of people come here for anniversaries. The black shirts I carry are very popular for those.”

More than clothing, the shop carries fun things like silicone beach toys.

“I chose those because they are better for the environment and last longer,” Getty said. “Durability is another thing I look for when choosing what to carry.”

Visitors to the shop can’t help but notice the healthy-looking houseplants sprinkled throughout the space. A horticulturist by training, Getty welcomes questions about plants.

“Some people are not big shoppers but they will buy a plant,” Getty said. “I love growing plants and I plan to continue stocking house plants and maybe herbs in the future. I might do workshops on plant propagation and ‘up-potting.’ It’s nice to buy a plant from someone who knows what they are doing so that the plant has a much better chance of thriving.”

Getty has been enjoying getting to know her new neighbors, and is already working with some other area shops on plans for future clothing, toy and diaper drives.

"I’m very community-minded and trying to build community is something I’m very mindful of,” she said. “I see this as a place people can come and visit me and where I can build relationships. I love meeting new people and seeing them enjoy looking around and saying hello to Violet. I have no idea what the future will hold but I’m very excited to find out.”

Look for Unique & Knotty across the street from the whale statue on Highway 101 at the north end of Depoe Bay. The shop is open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, go to the Unique & Knotty page on Facebook or email uniqueandknottythestore@gmail.com.