After a successful two years at their original location in Ridgewood, alba introduced the contemporary styles of their boutique to Hoboken residents back in November 2015 {at 716 Washington Street} and most recently expanded with a pop-up store downtown {at 254 1st Street} that will be open until June. As one of the newest additions to the Hoboken shopping scene, this new pop-up is in a super convenient downtown spot.
Alba was launched by stylist and buyer, Jeanna Palumbo, and has quickly evolved into one of New Jersey’s top shopping destinations. Their original location in Ridgewood was voted “Best Fashion Boutique” from 2014-2017 — there’s good reason for the buzz and why they’re expanding so quickly, with two locations in Hoboken alone.
For this local shopping spotlight series, we rank each shop from 1-5 in the following categories: first impression, variety, ambiance, convenience, and authenticity. Then, there will be a final “get up and go” comprehensive overall score where 1 = nah, pass and 5 being MUST-GO ASAP… so let’s get to it.
First Impression: 5
Previously home to Vintage on First {after their tragic rent scam fiasco and new location across the street!}, the retail space is bright and all that you could want for in a local clothing boutique — understandably so, as to why this space has housed clothing boutiques in the past. The stark contrast of alba’s sparkling and studded high-quality goods give a clean and minimalistic ambiance, in the best way.
Variety: 4
Alba has been known to provide a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, launching many new and under the radar brands in contemporary clothing, accessories, and footwear. Their newest location’s assortment is stylized for the downtown girl: mixing in fun brands like Blank NYC, Vintage Havana and their new private label alba X dawn. You will also still see some of their uptown location’s most popular designers like Veronica M, Dex and Quay sunglasses, too.
Considering their downtown space is only a pop-up, the store carries as much as needed for a temporary store and are more than happy to place an order if on a quest for a specific item amongst their multiple locations.
Ambiance: 5
The space seems to work in favor of alba’s high-end collections as there isn’t a TON of merch. As a veteran shopper {and addict} less can sometimes be best, to avoid the awful feeling of sensory overload. The giant windows give the space amazing natural light in contrast with the luminescent lighting of most shops and fitting areas. #gorg.
See More: All About No. 18 Boutique + Wellness {and Their New Hoboken Home}
Convenience: 5
With locations in Ridgewood, Summit and TWO in Hoboken {uptown and downtown}, it couldn’t be any more convenient to #shopalba. This particular location is in a key spot for PATH train commuters, located down the street from Mint Market and across from State Boutique — first street has become an up-and-coming area for fulfilling all of our shopping needs.
Authenticity: 5
Above and beyond their variety of brands {and fun champagne + shopping events}, alba is unique in that they also offer to host private shopping parties at any of their shop locations. Throwing a private event is open to the public, and once date and time are arranged with the team at alba, they take it upon themselves to create a flyer for all guests to spread the word.
As for the event, groups are greeted by alba stylists, given a gift card with purchase, and {most importantly} exclusive use of the store after hours. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are also served throughout the event {as provided by the alba team} along with the added bonus of personal stylist recommendations for each guest.
alba can be a great private event space for people such as beauty and skin care consultants, mom groups, bachelorette parties, charities and more. If interested in hosting a private event, contact: stylist@albaboutique.com to get started.
READ: Our Formalwear Drive + Community Sale {to Benefit Suits for Success} on March 24th, 2018
Final ‘Get Up & Go’ Score: 5
The newest downtown alba location is currently only scheduled to be a pop-up store through June 30, 2018 so be sure to pop-in before they close the doors this summer. If you can’t make it to the store, be sure to check out their STYLEBOX service where their stylist sends you a personalized box of clothing right to your front door. The STYLEBOX contains 6 items for you to try on and can be shipped back within 4 days of delivery — free of charge to you. This is a not a subscription service and totally non-committal, just a unique way for this local business to reach everyone in the area who is looking to #shopalba, even from a far.
Which Alba location have you been to?
Share your fun finds with us on Instagram @HobokenGirlBlog or #HobokenGirl
