Boutique offers clothes, conversation
Shop aims to have friendly atmosphere
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| Pals Karen Wellman (left) and Judy Randall at Randall’s Plus Size Boutique, a consignment shop that opened Thursday at 303 First Ave. in Rock Falls. The store is taking fall and winter clothes, along with jewelry and other accessories. (Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com) |
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ROCK FALLS – Judy Randall, owner of the new Plus Size Boutique, goes to a rack of clothes and proudly displays two colorful bras, size 44 GG.
The fashionista who brought them in for consignment is 23, Randall said.
“We’ll handle a lot of neat things.”
Although the store caters mostly to mature women, sizes 14 and up, it also will have items more suitable for younger women, she said.
Regardless of age or size, all women who shop or just spend time at the store are expected to feel comfortable and walk out feeling good about themselves. Randall and manager Karen Wellman, both of Rock Falls, are striving for a friendly atmosphere where women will feel comfortable sipping coffee and shooting the breeze, even if they don’t buy anything.
“It’s just a little operation, but I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Randall said.
She and Wellman have been friends for all of Randall’s life. She is 62; Wellman is 68.
The consignment shop opened recently at 303 First Ave.
Here’s how it works: The store will keep 50 percent of money made from sales. After a month, unsold items will be marked 25 percent off. In their third month at the store, they’ll be 50 percent off and put in a bargain room.
Because the shop just opened, that room now is filled with full-price Christmas items and cosmetics by L.A. Colors.
Suits will range from $7.99 to $11.99; blouses from $2.99 to $7.99.
“Prices are not going to be really high,” Wellman said. “We want it so they can afford it.”
The store offers name brands such as Laura Ashley, Calvin Klein and Liz Claiborne. It also will carry accessories such as shoes, purses and jewelry.
