Reprint from the Post-Crescent 8-31-08
By Sharon Hanuszczak-Froberg • Post-Crescent East • October 3, 2008
Chic to Chic takes financial pinch out of designer brands
Consignment boutique a hit with women
BUCHANAN — Today's uncertain economy has taken on a toll on many retail businesses as consumers struggle to fill up the gas tank and put food on the table.
But the owners of Chic to Chic, a consignment boutique in Buchanan, have seen an increase in customers, despite the slumping economy.
"We're one of the few businesses that the economy helps us," said co-owner Tammy Eiting, who lives in Kaukauna. "I don't think that there's many businesses that can say that."
Partner Jill Nelson said the high quality of teen's, misses and women's merchandise keeps customers coming back. The store offers items ranging from active wear to formal wear, and also carries shoes, purses and jewelry.
"We've taken the thrift out of it," she said. "That's why we call ourselves a boutique. We've gone through everything. We make sure that if you'd find it in a store, you'd find it here."
The store carries designer brands including Chico's, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Holister and Abercrombie, which Eiting said appeals to women who want to dress
fashionably but don't want to pay retail price.
"Women want to find a deal," she said. "We can do that when we have the higher-end items. Before we opened, I never could afford to wear Banana Republic, Ann Taylor. And now I'm finding that those kinds of brands, you get what you pay for. They fit better and you look better. But now you can afford them."
The store has more than 800 women consigning, but also accepts items during boutique hours.
"Once you clean up your closet, you want to get rid of it," Eiting said. "Sometimes it's overwhelming for us, but we want to make it easy for people to drop off their things."
Chic to Chic also offers a free personal shopping service for customers who make an appointment.
"Some women come in here and don't know where to start," Eiting said. "(A personal shopper) is like shopping with your best friend. We're honest."
Eiting and Nelson said they work with customers' budgets to help women find colors that best suit them and clothing that fits their body shape and style.
After running the store for two years, Nelson said she has several business ideas she would like to try, including a boutique walk with other women-owned small businesses in the Fox Valley.
"We're always dreaming up things," she said.
The store is planning an Oct. 25 bus trip to a fall jewelry show in Chicago to give customers and consignors access to jewelry and accessories at wholesale prices.
"We serve coffee and doughnuts on the way down. We serve wine on the way back," Eiting said. "We put in a chick-flick movie. All the women have really enjoyed it who have gone."
Eiting encouraged women who've never been to a consignment store to stop by the boutique.
"It looks good, it smells good. The merchandise is displayed nicely," she said. "Right now, we feel the items we have in the boutique are probably the best selection of items we've ever had since we opened. We're gaining a reputation (with consignors). The items just keep getting better and better."
Barb Van Grinsven of Chilton, who has been shopping at Chic to Chic for 1½ years, said she loves finding name-brand clothing that is affordable.
"They have a variety of clothes from career to fun and it's in great shape," said Van Grinsven, who also is a consignor. "Tammy and Jill are awesome. They'll tell you if something looks awful on you. I like it that they're not pushy. They know my style, my tastes. They know me."
Sharon Hanuszczak-Froberg: 920-729-6622, ext. 27, or shanuszc@ postcrescent.com