Mens sports-themed resale shop a hit in Bloomingdale

The economy, a friend's decision to stop smoking and a passion for resale shopping sparked the idea for a new Bloomingdale business.

Susan Chernick launched My Wife's Garage & Boutique, a consignment shop filled with upscale men's clothes, sports memorabilia and equipment and name brand clothing for teenage boys. Shoppers will find everything from autographed baseballs, a Blackhawk's jersey that's no longer in production to Abercrombie shirts.

The business at 124 W. Lake St. features just about everything you'd find in a guy's closet, garage or sports room, Chernick said.

The owner, an avid resale shopper, says a friend quit smoking, gained weight and had a bunch of name brand golf shirts and business attire he wanted to sell as well.

Chernick realized there was no place to take his things. "That got me thinking that we need something for men's stuff," Chernick said. "There's a time when guys are ready to part with some of their things."

In addition to clothes, she also features tools and new or gently used gift items. "You know, the Father's Day gifts that were never used," she said. For example, someone recently brought in a bar set with a golf theme. And she has plenty of ties, many of which still have the original sales tags attached.

In naming the store, Chernick, 53, realized it's often women who clean out the closets. "And let's face it, women do most of the shopping," she said. The reference to the garage also refers to the person who enjoys going to a garage sale, but is also looking for quality items.

The grand opening runs April 2 through 5. "It's just in time for spring cleaning," Chernick said. "There are so many people looking for a little extra cash right now."

She pays consignors about half of the selling price and keeps items for 60 days. She makes exceptions for more valuable items that are worth more money and will pay consignors more for these.

Other items in the store include expensive denim jeans, Hawaiian shirts, baseball hats, dress shirts, books about cigars and skateboard T-shirts. "I only take upscale stuff that's in excellent condition," she said.

Chernick has always enjoyed retail. Her first job, at the age of 16, was working at Casual Corner at Woodfield Shopping Center. After working in sales and advertising, she is again working at the Schaumburg mall, now as an assistant manager at Chico's. "I'm back at retail. This is what I know how to do," she said.

The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, contact (847) 477-4942.

• Kim Mikus covers retail and small business. She welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567 or kmikus@dailyherald.com.