News Nearby: New Boutique Opens

A few weeks ago, Premier Boutique opened its doors to the Peters Township community selling luxury items made of alpaca.

The shop occupies the space where Maggie's Hardware used to be—on Route 19 (3328 Washington Road).

Boutique owner Debbie Harden has owned and operated West Penn Alpacas in Claysville for nearly 16 years—approximately 200 Huacaya and Suri alpacas complete the herd on her 60-acre farm.

Diving into what she didn’t realize would become such a passion, her father suggested she start an alpaca farm for the tax break and the chance to stay at home with her five children.

She now operates an alpaca auction company, and was a founding partner in the Eastern Extreme Auction.

The boutique exudes Harden’s obvious passion for fine goods, experience in marketing and intense knowledge of alpaca. Her farm manager, and good friend, Kathy Culbertson—a breast cancer survivor—manages the shop.

To open as a sustainable boutique, Harden purchased from designer lines nationwide. None of her own alpaca is sold in the boutique, but will be next year, she said.

Premier sells golf sweaters for men, made of 100 percent baby alpaca—which Harden said are warm and lightweight, yet stronger and far more durable.

Alpaca socks are for sale, and apparently are a No. 1 top seller. They come in 22 natural colors. Scarves and gloves are also available.

“Once you wear them, you’ll want more,” she said.  

Hunting socks, as well as leggings, are sold at Premier.

Timeless pieces, such as a stylish poncho, are sold between $100-300—a price completely worth it. Premier sells a Peruvian line that “caters to the elegant,” which coincides with the shop’s tagline—Experience Comfortable Elegance—and carries products from RedMaple Sportswear Co., a Maine seacoast based apparel company.

Looking for a baby gift? Look no further.

Premier carries Bearington and the absolute softest teddy bears, made of alpaca of course. Alpaca Christmas ornaments for sale adorn a tree in the far right corner of the beautiful boutique. 

Aside from alpaca, the shop carries kids' Christmas attire, eco-friendly AG Jeans, a line of Brighton, Leaders in Leather handbags and a line of homemade candles from a business in Washington, Pa.

Alpaca yarn is available in myriad colors for those who love to knit.

Premier also carries the exclusive Itala Testino line, whose products are 42 percent alpaca with a cashmere blend.

Harden said alpaca fleece retains its new appearance with minimal care. 

So why not complete your holiday shopping at Premier? They’ll even gift wrap your items for you—bonus!

Visit Premier Boutique on Facebook, stop by the store and/or call 724-260-5376 for more information.

This article first appeared on Peters Patch.