Renewing the Economy, one Blouse at a Time

When Naperville women find themselves out of work, their closets are usually still filled with clothes.

That's exactly what Jennifer Micek was thinking when she opened her Ogden Avenue independent consignment business, Clothes Attic'd, pronounced "clothes addict."

The store—set up like a swanky boutique and painted bright pink—has been buying and selling gently used women's clothing and accessories since May. And amidst a struggling economy, business is booming.

"There were a ton of people in Naperville who had lost their jobs," 34-year-old Micek, of Naperville, said. "I knew that for one, these women were looking for money, so maybe they had clothes they didn't wear and would be willing to sell. And two, they don't have a lot of money but still want nice clothes."

Micek opened the business with her husband, Joe. A former president for a trading company in Chicago, he was laid off earlier this year. The two took that opportunity to not only help themselves, but to help others.

Clothes Attic'd is one of the only—if not, the only— 50/50 consignment store in the U.S., Micek said. Most stores take 60 percent of revenue from an item and give the consigner 40 percent.

"I thought, 'Why should I make an extra 10 percent?'" said Micek, who lights up at the thought of pumping money back into Naperville's economy. "These are their clothes, not mine."

Since May, Micek said she's put $16,000 back into the pockets of Naperville residents. She sees 30 to 50 new consigners each week and gets between 50 and 100 new items a day.

Those items are carefully inventoried in a list and sent via e-mail to each respective consigner. The list is complete with hyperlinks to every item so consigners can check the status of their bracelet, blouse, pumps or jacket. As their items sell, they can opt to visit the store to collect their money or wait until their earnings reach $50. At that point, Micek cuts them a check and drops it in the mail.

Items in Clothes Attic'd range from 50 cent bracelets to $300 Gucci boots and beaded evening gowns.

"I tell people we'll accept anything from a mall … up to Versace," she said.

Shoes of all sizes, brands and colors line the edges of store and clothes for all shoppers, from teenagers to senior citizens, meticulously hang on two different levels. And inventory is constantly changing.

If an item isn't purchased after 60 days, it's automatically marked 25 percent off. After 90 days, it's no longer for sale.

Micek notifies the owners that their clothes are waiting if they want to pick them up. If they don't, Micek donates them to Second Chance Resale Shop, run by Family Shelter Service and benefiting victims of domestic violence.

"I was so excited when Clothes Attic'd opened," said Kath Camasto, manager of Second Chance. "It definitely has helped improve our clothing donations which in turn, helps our clients and our sales to the public."

Consigners, like Sue Russell, are drawn to Clothes Attic'd because they know unsold items support a worthy cause.

"I think that is great that the store is paying it forward to other families," said Russell, a shopper at the store and one of Micek's 300 consigners. "I hope the store continues to grow and provide a service to our community that is greatly appreciated."

The Miceks, too, hope residents continue to find value in the services at Clothes Attic'd.

"Anyone can find anything here," Micek said. "We had no idea this was going to happen. Business has erupted."