After months of planning and preparation, the Bobcat Boutique officially reopened its doors on Saturday, August 9th. The refreshed space welcomed families attending the new parent and volunteer meetings, and anticipation was high. At one point, the line of students and parents wrapped around the school, and there was even a staff member at the door letting people in a few at a time. Inside, the store revealed a completely new layout, fresh paint, and an expanded selection of merchandise that blends school pride with style.
The celebration began with a ribbon-cutting led by Sister Carmen, who offered a blessing to mark the reopening. But the transformation was about more than just looks. According to Ms. Martinez, Dean of Enrollment and Engagement, the goal was to create a space that felt more intentional, more inviting, and more in tune with Lourdes Academy’s identity.
Although the planning began months ago, construction didn’t start until July, once summer school had ended. That left just six weeks to finish everything. The team began by clearing out old inventory with a clearance sale, then brought in a construction crew to rebuild the space. While that was underway, product designs and approvals were finalized behind the scenes.
One of the most noticeable changes is the store’s new layout. Flat display walls now showcase the merchandise in a cleaner, more modern way. Smaller items are featured at the counter, and the overall design feels more open and organized. It’s not just about how it looks, though it’s also about how it feels.
“In the past, many items featured oversized logos,” Ms. Martinez said. “Now, many pieces include smaller branding, like a stitched tag. The result is a more subtle and modern look that better reflects who we are as a school.”
The boutique’s current collection was developed in partnership with Die Hards, an apparel company that manages other school stores and offers insight into current trends. While the company brings ideas to the table, many of the designs are shaped through Lourdes’ community input.
Some new releases have already launched, but more are on the way. Upcoming items include a sweatshirt with plaid patches that match the school skirt, trending mock neck sweatshirts, new bows, and a shoe charm featuring Sister Carmen. A limited-edition collaboration with Belen and Columbus will also be available in all three school stores.
The boutique is preparing to relaunch its website, bobcatboutique.com, in the coming days. A QR code posted outside the store already links to the page, and the team is finalizing inventory before it officially goes live.
To keep things fresh, new merchandise will be released monthly. An alumnae capsule collection is set to debut in October, just in time for Alumnae Weekend. Future drops will continue to follow current trends while staying true to the spirit of the Lourdes community.
Families and students can stay updated through the boutique’s Instagram page, where new arrivals and restocks will be announced. The Bobcat Boutique is off to a strong start, with its thoughtful design and rotating inventory, the space has grown into more than just a school store. It’s a reflection of community, creativity, and what it means to be a Bobcat.
