New owner takes on Superior Consignment Shop Angie’s Closet

by Andrea Busche

Featuring brand-name and high-end clothing and handbags, along with shoes, jewelry and other accessories, the brand-new Angie’s Closet consignment shop is a fashionista’s dream. Whether you’re buying, selling, or looking for a personal shopper, Angie has what you’ve been searching for.

And, best of all? Plan to pay, on average, 50 to 70 percent below retail.

Angie’s opened under new ownership in September after proprietor Angie Colborn purchased the former Take 2 Consignment business on Superior’s Belknap Street. Along with the shop, the purchase included the merchandise Take 2’s customers have come to appreciate.

The shop has been remodeled to provide a unique shopping experience. Angie’s best friend, Trish Swanson, has a background in clothing retail, and helped her design and decorate the new space. the upscale décor and trendy wares. “A lot of my customers have said they feel like they’re shopping in Chicago or the Twin Cities,” Angie says.

Draped in sparkly crystals, red roses, and featuring a plush, comfy sitting area, Angie’s Closet features a rich color scheme of red, creamy white, black and gray. At last, Angie has manifested the luxury “closet” she has always dreamed of.

Angie’s Closet is a consignment shop, which means people who want to sell their lightly used clothing items partner with the shop, and agree to split the proceeds 50/50. The first step for a seller is to make an appointment to show their clothes to Angie.

In preparation for the appointment, clothing must be freshly laundered, steamed and displayed neatly on hangers. As you wait, Angie will assess the items you want to sell, and let you know which pieces she thinks her customers will like.

Throughout the shop, mannequins are dressed in trendy, coordinated outfits Angie has carefully selected. Every square inch of the 2,000-squarefoot space is utilized to stylishly display

Once she makes her selections, she’ll display them for sale in her shop for 60 days. After the 60 days are up, you can either retrieve your items, or she will donate them to a charitable organization.

Once a sale has transpired, Angie pays the seller by either writing them a check, or issuing in-store credit for 50 percent of the sale.

Angie also provides personal shopping services to her customers at no extra charge. “Ladies can either provide me their size, or come in to be measured,” she says. “I’ll ask them about the occasion they are shopping for, whether it’s an upcoming vacation or they are assembling a professional work wardrobe. We’ll discuss their personal style and requests, and then I put outfits together for them.”

Angie’s Closet caters to a wide demographic ranging from juniors to mature. Sizing is intentionally inclusive, and will work for almost everyone – the store features everything from extrasmall to 3X.

Angie notes that right now, velvet is big. Vests, flannel tops, embroidered jeans and leopard print are also really hot. And, one particular brand stands out: “For some reason, clothes from Chico’s sell really well here,” she says.

When it comes to footwear, boots and booties are popular. Brand-names Keen and Merrell sell well at Angie’s, and there are dressy high heels to choose from, too. Angie sells plenty of long and short prom and formal dresses, and even has a few wedding gowns on display.

While Angie has always loved fashion, she spent most of her career as a secretary for the Superior School District. After losing her job, she knew it was meant to be when Take 2 came up for sale.

“I knew I didn’t want to sit behind a desk anymore,” Angie says. “This is what I have always wanted to do, and it all kind of fell into place. My customers tell me they often find really unique items here that they would never find anywhere else. And, at very reasonable prices.” D

To learn more, visit Angie’s Closet on Facebook, or call the shop at (715) 3947002.

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