Consignment assignment
The idea for Marianne Evans' business originated years ago when she turned her garage sale into an outdoor shop.
Evans, who left her career as the owner of a forklift business to start a family, held garage sales for 12 years while raising her sons at her Streamwood home. She would put down carpet, hang clothes on racks, even set up a little dressing room.
"You can't buy something if you can't try it on, even at a garage sale," she said with a laugh.
She made $1,200 at her first sale. Friends and family started bringing over their things for the annual sale. She would wash and iron her clothes.
A little neighborhood girl, Maggie, helped her every year. Evans joked with the girl and asked her if they opened a store, what would they name it. Maggie replied, "Your Best Friend's Closet." Evans tucked the name away and years passed.
About three years ago, Evans' image became a reality. Her husband, Mark, and two sons moved to Huntley and she opened Your Best Friend's Closet consignment boutique in Algonquin. It operates at 3981 W. Algonquin Road, less then two miles west of Randall Road.
Like the garage sales, the store is a hit. Evans has about 1,400 consignors. "We have people waiting to sell their clothes here," she said. Depending on the season, Evans takes in between 2,000 and 6,000 pieces a month.
Evans is very particular about the clothes she sells. She has to be. "It has to be in perfect condition. It has to be in style within the past two years and the clothes have to be clean and brought in on hangers," Evans said.
The clothes have 60 days to sell and the consignor receives 40 percent of the final selling price. The focus is upscale women's clothing from size 0 to 4 or 5x. Maternity clothing, shoes, jewelry and purses are also featured. The brands range from Target to St. John by Marie Gray. Coach purses are popular. "Some of the clothing still has the original tags on it. It has never been worn," Evans said.
She sold a pair of BCBG boots for $80. They were worn once and sell regularly for $355. A bubbly Evans said she has two fur coats for sale right now as well as special occasion dresses, homecoming and prom dresses.
She has many loyal customers.
"The quality of the clothing is so good. Nothing is ever the same. The inventory is always changing," said Carol Michalak while shopping Friday.
Shoppers will find lines including Coldwater Creek, Ann Taylor Loft, Chicos, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic. Rock and Republic jeans, selling for between $150 and $200 at traditional retailers, sell for between $26 and $42 at My Best Friend's Closet.
The tag line for the shop is "changing the face of resale one best friend at a time," she said.
Instead of having sales, the shop hosts parties. The party to celebrate the third anniversary takes place Nov. 1, 2 and 3. Food is provided. The events have become so popular, women have to sign up for a fitting room when they arrive.
For more, call (847) 458-9530 or check out www.yourbestfriendscloset.biz.