Reprint from the Post-Crescent 4-15-07
By Toni Hoh
Outfitting in Style
Consignment shop clothes people in need through donations
Women who put their clothing on consignment at Chic to Chic boutique in Appleton know that even items that don’t sell get into the hands of people who truly appreciate them.
After 90 days on the Chic to Chic floor, clothing, accessories, handbags and shoes are donated to Community Clothes Closet, where they are available at no charge to people determined to be in need by area social service agencies.
“It’s absolutely wonderful. The donations we get from them are top-line clothes, which is excellent,” said Diane Bishop, executive director of the CCC. “They send us a lot of jeans, which we are in desperate need of, and they’re great quality. They’re like new items. The clients love them.”
The idea of donating unsold inventory came about even before Chic to Chic opened in August, according to Jill Nelson of Appleton, who owns the store with Tammy Eiting of Kaukauna.
“Consignors feel better knowing it’s going to somebody who needs it,” Nelson said. “If they can turn it around somehow and someone else can use it, that’s great.”
The majority of Chic to Chic’s 412 consignors choose to donate their unsold items to the CCC. Most popular with clients are the jeans, many of which are brand name and appeal to young women. Chic to Chic, N474 Eisenhower Drive, deals in upscale clothing and accessories on consignment only.
The CCC, located on Opportunity Way across from the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley in Menasha, serves as a central hub for Fox Valley residents in need of clothing and items such as bedding, towels, knick-knacks and stuffed animals for children.
Donations come from individuals as well as other area businesses. Gunderson Cleaners assists the CCC by serving as drop-off sites for anyone wanting to make a donation.
In 2006, more than 304,000 items were distributed to 11,500 individuals through the CCC. Just a handful of staff along with 140 volunteers make it happen, Bishop said.
Once qualified, clients can shop on a quota system at the CCC twice a month for up to a year. The CCC also offers special programs, including the New Start Boutique, which features clothing for job interviews and new jobs. Some Chic to Chic donations are used in the boutique.
“We know when we get something from Chic to Chic, it’s great quality. That makes our job easier,” Bishop said.
CCC’s volunteer drivers Bob Gellert of Oshkosh and Tom McHugh and Jim Pierce of Appleton pick up donations from businesses. Anywhere from seven to 15 extra large bags of items valued at $5,000 in consignment price come from Chic to Chic each month.
In developing a business plan, Nelson said she and Eiting decided on an upscale consignment shop because they “knew there were women out there, especially teens, who cannot afford (name brand clothes) and they just want to fit in. But there were still women who can’t even get to our store, can’t afford that nice outfit for a wedding when gas is $2.69 a gallon. We’re proud to donate them on behalf of consignors. We want to give to women who truly are in need.”
“They’re such an asset to the business community,” Bishop said of Nelson and Eiting. “They’re so community-minded.”
Nelson and Eiting will assist in a vintage fashion show, a major fundraiser for the CCC set for 2-4 p.m. April 22 at the Radisson Paper Valley in downtown Appleton. Fashions from the 1940s through the 1980s will be featured. Cookies and punch will be served, and a silent auction will be held. Clothing being modeled will be available for purchase. Tickets, $15, are available at any Gunderson Cleaners location and at the door. Miss Wisconsin 2006 Meghan Coffey will be the emcee for the fashion show.