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In This Issue...
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Business Profile
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Go on a Style Treasure Hunt at Clothes Cottage
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The Mid-County Post > Business Profile
Go on a Style Treasure Hunt at Clothes Cottage
Capitola Consignment Shop Offers High-End Labels for Less
By Linda Fridy
Business Profile is a regular feature of The Post, offering readers an opportunity to learn more about our advertisers. For more information about this feature, or how your company might be included, call 831-476-9130.
Any business that can survive more than a quarter century clearly has a formula that works. In the case of the Clothes Cottage consignment shop in Capitola, owner JoAnn McCullough combines high quality fashions at prices customers can afford.
Long-time customers know they can find a "really good bargain" on resale designer and upscale brands of clothing, said McCullough. Names like Eileen Fisher, Anne Klein, Coldwater Creek and Michael Kohrs fill the racks.
"You can get great clothes for half price or less," she said, sharing the story of a woman who recently scored a wool coat that retails new for $400 priced at $60 at Clothes Cottage.
McCullough works with both local and professional consignors, so her stock is not limited by Santa Cruz County's retailers. She notes Clothes Cottage gets plenty of Chico's and J. Jill in spite of the fact that those stores are not local.
Customers can save themselves a drive over the hill to find these names. Plus, her prices are better.
"Knit tops can be $80, and we sell them for $22," she said.
The cozy shop offers current, in-season styles of like-new clothes in women's sizes 0 to extra large and small children's clothes from infant to 6X.
For fall, a circular rack filled with a rainbow of cashmere sweaters greets customers.
"It's a great fabric for our climate – lightweight and warm," said McCullough. And at her store many of these premium tops cost around $50.
Accessories, Sportswear & More
Clothes Cottage is also a great place to find stunning accessories, including belts, shoes and scarves. Purses boast names like Coach and Donald J. Pliner.
"We sell a lot of jewelry and we get great jewelry because it comes from all over," McCullough noted with pride.
Other finds include a Prada wallet and knick-knacks that caught McCullough's eye.
Her customers value quality and style, whether they are buying for the workplace or leisure.
"They can dress well on a small budget. If you have a job where you need to dress well, you can find nice slacks, a sweater, a good coat and shoes," she said.
She currently has a nice selection of fall coats and jackets, although she noted that leather is going quickly.
Sportswear is another staple in her stock.
"We are a beach town – we don't take business suits anymore," she said.
The selection of high-end jeans often surprises new customers, with names like 7 For All Mankind and Joe's Jeans.
McCullough has many long-time customers and consignors. She's happy to watch for items that a customer especially wants. For example, she called a regular shopper about a Hermes silk scarf that recently arrived knowing it's a favorite.
"If somebody requests something, I'll definitely call them if it comes in," she said.
Buy and Sell
McCullough works with customers who want to sell their clothes as well as those looking to add to their wardrobes. Hers is a good business to be in and to shop during tough times.
"This year has been really busy because of the recession. I'm booked for consignment [appointments] through mid-December," she said.
Customers who have spring fashions they may want to resell should make appointments soon, since that season will hit the racks Feb. 1.
"We're very fussy, very particular about what we accept," McCullough noted.
She will only consider in-season clothes in excellent condition.
She's also looking for more children's clothing.
"I think more people are passing them along to their friends," she said.
A consignment customer gets 40 percent of the sales price. Clothes stay in the store for only two months, with markdowns after the first month.
She's honed her eye during more than two decades in the consignment business. After working at the store for 10 years, she bought it in 1995. Most of her part-time sales staff has been there just as long.
"It's fun. It's something people like to do," she said simply.
McCullough, her staff and her customers enjoy the shop's setting in the historic Carriage House Center.
"It has charm and ambiance," she said, and the combination of her shop, a tea room and a day spa complement each other.
After nearly 24 years in the consignment clothing business, McCullough still enjoys the work.
"It's always interesting because you never know what's coming through the door."
[Editor's Note: Clothes Cottage is located at 911 C Capitola Ave. in Capitola. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required for consignment items. For more information call 831-475-8339.]
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