Business
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Retail Therapy accepts gently used items such as shoes, hand bags and clothing.
Retail Therapy oers designer hand bags and wallets.
Kimberly Smith took ownership of Retail Therapy in 2006.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Retail Therapy turns resale fashion into fresh starts
After years of responding to emergencies as an EMT, Kimberly Smith found a new way to take care of people in 2006. Smith now serves the community through a consignment store she took over 20 years ago with used brand-name clothing in Cypress while also donating clothing to local women’s shelters, turning gently worn pieces into a source of identity and fresh starts for women in need. Staying local Located in Cypress, Retail Therapy Resale Boutique has been a staple in the community for over 40 years, Smith said. Under her ownership, Smith rebranded the boutique with a new name and her own concept. With brands ranging from Free People to Michael Kors and with prices starting at $9.99, the boutique is organized by category including children's uniforms, shoes, hand bags, womens clothing and formal attire. The consignment boutique blends simplicity and style oering uncluttered space with over 8,300 consignments. Retail Therapy has several standards for its selected pieces. Anyone interested in consigning must bring clean, wrinkle-free, in-season items. In addition, items must be hair and stain free, be on current trends and no more than three years old with functional zippers and buttons. The boutiques regulations ensure customers
have quality items to choose from. Consignors receive commission on items sold within 60 days. After the 60 day period, consignors can pick up items not sold or donate them to the boutiques clearance section, Smith said. What’s special about it? Smith said at Retail Therapy Resale Boutique, customers can be assured a welcoming experience with an elevated customer service experience. “Coming from an industry where people don’t call you on their best days,I tell my sta, ‘You may be the only nice person that that person talks to all day long,’ Smith said. “There are half a dozen resale shops or thrift stores within a 5-mile radius. I want to be memorable for how we treat people.” With 100-200 items put out daily, customers can always nd something new on the rack with sizes running from triple zero to 4X. For those who can’t make it to the shop, Retail Therapy also oers its items on the business website. As a way of supporting the community, Retail Therapy oers 25% o for seniors on Tuesdays and 20% to students and teachers with a valid ID. In addition, Retail Therapy partners with local orga- nizations including women’s shelters, the Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue and Arrow and participates in back to school drives. Starting Feb. 2, Retail Therapy plans to release its rodeo season attire and begin its spring clothing intake, Smith said.
At Retail Therapy’s formal section customers can nd anything from prom dresses to mother of the bride formal dresses.
Retail Therapy Resale Boutique oers a variety of women clothing and accessories as well as children uniforms in Cypress.
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10782 Grant Road, Houston www.retailtherapyresale.com
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