Amidst the construction and metallic glare of downtown Phoenix sits Bunky Boutique. Inhabiting an old brick house and embodying the change that downtown Phoenix is undergoing, Bunky Boutique is a quirky fusion of old and new. The store, which was previously a semi-hidden alley-entrance location off Roosevelt, changed locations this summer to a charming house on North Third Street.

“I wanted to open a boutique because I love the fashion industry as well as running a small business,” says Rachel Richards, who co-owns the boutique with her fiancé Jim Malloy. The new location, which was built in 1910, has been transformed into a destination for fashionable men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.

The name “Bunky” is Richards’ grandmother’s name, who Richards says is “the most graceful and stylish woman I know.”

Richards and Malloy chose downtown Phoenix because of the diversity and culture, she says. “We live downtown and we wanted to contribute to our neighborhood and the growth of a vital urban scene.”

The store, which opened in September 2007, sells clothes from brands such as Mishka, Kidrobot, Brown Sound, Nick & Mo and many others. “We sell items that are eclectic and contemporary for both men and women,” Richards says. “We strive to keep the store fresh and we keep our price point at a medium range so that we can have something for everyone.”

From shirts to jackets, dresses and accessories, Bunky has a large variety of things to check out. The store brings in new products about every week to keep things interesting for shoppers.

The boutique’s new location has been transformed into an appealing shop, which Richards painted in green and pink pastels. The store still holds the same features that were put in originally, including a bathtub in a small hallway that has children’s tutus hanging above it. The original door to the house is used as a counter top, which is covered in unique accessories.

The wood floors and separate rooms feel like you’re walking though Richards’ closet, admiring her collection of fun and unique fashions. “We have kept all the original fixtures and you can feel the sense of history and charm when you walk in the door,” Richards says. “The sense of old meets new is what makes us different than most boutiques, [which] I believe is one thing that sets apart downtown from the suburbs.”

Though some may be intimidated by the idea of boutique shopping prices, Bunky is young, hip and definitely college-budget friendly. Bonus: ASU students receive a 15 percent discount with school ID. Don’t feel like driving all the way to Phoenix? Bunky has an online shop as well, but the store is too sweet to miss.

With First Fridays and developments like the expansion of the ASU campus, Bunky has a great position in the revitalization of downtown Phoenix.

Richards says, “It’s the most rewarding and exciting and scary experience I have ever had.”

Reach the reporter at jvanzale@asu.edu.