Catwalk Boutique, an upscale resale shop where every purchase benefits the Berkshire Humane Society, is being celebrated in a local business spotlight this week. The feature in The Berkshire Edge highlights a mission that began over a decade ago, successfully turning a passion for fashion into a critical financial lifeline for homeless animals across Berkshire County. The nonprofit boutique offers a unique "guilt-free" shopping experience, ensuring that every stylish find directly contributes to the care and rehoming of local animals in need.
From Volunteer Vision to Community Staple
The story of Catwalk Boutique began in 2013 when three animal-loving volunteers—Mimi Rosenblatt, Marsha Weiner, and Leslie Weil—sought to create a stable and independent revenue stream for the Berkshire Humane Society. They opened the flagship store in Great Barrington, establishing a successful resale shop that quickly became a fixture in the South County fashion community. The boutique's model is simple and powerful: all proceeds go directly toward helping the homeless animals cared for by the humane society.
The venture's success led to a significant expansion in 2019 with the opening of a second, larger location in Lenox. This milestone prompted a rebranding effort, complete with a new logo designed to better reflect the boutique's core mission of saving animals. The dedication of the team remains the driving force behind its growth and impact.
“It’s so gratifying to see what we’ve been able to accomplish in the last 13 years and how much our superb team of volunteers and staff have helped Berkshire Humane Society,” Rosenblatt stated in an interview with The Berkshire Edge. “I do it for the animals—they’re my passion. I’ve learned about clothes and brands along the way, and I continue to learn more every day.”
Choosing Your Catwalk Boutique Experience
While united by a common mission, the two Catwalk Boutique locations offer distinct shopping environments, each with its own personality and style. The boutique encourages patrons to visit both, as the constantly changing inventory means unique treasures can be found at either shop. An analysis in The Berkshire Edge helps shoppers decide which destination best suits their taste.
| Feature | Great Barrington | Lenox |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 325 Stockbridge Road, behind Aegean Breeze | 51 Church Street, next to Alta and Patisserie Lenox |
| Typical Style | Features more youthful pieces, with a focus on quality natural fibers and unexpected finds. | Offers more designer pieces and elegant, mature styles that often have a funky twist. |
| Primary Clientele | Considered a go-to for locals, with ample parking making it accessible, especially in winter. | Attracts significant tourist traffic due to its location in the historic town center. |
