During walkabout, I query how they've protected small business (8)

I believe the answer is:

boutique

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'they've protected small business' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'during walkabout i query' is the wordplay.
'during' indicates a hidden word.
'BOUTIQUE' is hidden in the letters of 'walkabout i query'.

'how' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for boutique that I've seen before include "Upmarket shop" , "fashionable little shop" , "Small shop selling fashion clothes" , "shop offered" , "Small shop selling fashionable clothes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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