Fashion is her passion
Consignmpsent S ho
Sandy’s Upscale Consignment has a loyal following – for a good reason by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT
For 25 years, Sandy’s Upscale Consignment has been located in the community of Walworth, providing customers with high-end fashion and accessories at reasonable prices. Located at 212 North Main St, just off the Square in downtown Walworth, it is the favorite place to shop for both local residents and visitors to the Geneva Lakes area. “I opened the shop on a whim. I have always shopped consignment stores as they provide more bang for the buck. There is always better value in the items purchased in the consignment shops. We all enjoy getting top quality and stylish merchandise when shopping,” said Sandy Lenz, owner of Sandy’s Upscale Consignment. It was on a shopping trip to the consignment shop, just on the corner from her current location in Walworth, that Lenz learned that the current owner was ready to retire and close the business. “I didn’t even think about it,” Sandy hared. “I purchased the rest of her stock, rented the space, and gave my current employer two weeks’ notice.” Although she had never run a consignment shop, having worked as a hair stylist and as a bartender, fashion was always her passion. She began working on the space to add her own style to the shop, rearranging and replacing merchandise and acquiring additional merchandise. “I printed off information about the new store and distributed them to be posted in local businesses. I began to advertise in Spirit of Geneva Lakes and through the Chamber of Commerce. Information about the reopening of the store also spread by word
Owner Sandy Lenz of Sandy’s Upscale Consignment pauses amid the racks of clothing at her store in Walworth. Many customers have been coming for the entire 25 years the store has been open. COURTESY OF SANDY LENZ Spirit of Geneva Lakes
of mouth,” Sandy said.
A fashion sense
It was her choices in the merchandise she carried that not only brought customers in but also kept them returning. Everything carried in the store is there on consignment. By not purchasing outright, it allows for a much larger inventory and variety to offer customers. All of the merchandise that Sandy accepts on consignment is top quality and in excellent condition. She accepts clothing in all sizes so there is a good selection from the petite through the plus sizes. While visiting in the store, a customer came in excited to show Sandy a photo taken at her son’s wedding the previous weekend. She had purchased her dress for the wedding at Sandy’s shop. It was an elegant navy blue gown, very chic with only a small amount of decorative beading around the neckline. Simple, yet elegant, was this mother of the groom. She was so pleased with her appearance and also with her budget and wanted to share her delight with Sandy and her staff. Clothing styles available include dresses such as those suitable for a wedding or other formal event, the perfect outfit for a nice dinner, and the right outfits to wear to SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES
work, that is for those back to working in their offices. There is also a large selection of casual summer dresses, jeans, and slacks along with the right blouses to compliment the slacks and jeans for whatever the occasion.
Close scrutiny
In order to bring in items for consignment, it is necessary to schedule an appointment with Sandy. She personally selects the items that will be appropriate for the store. By having an appointed time, she is free to look at the items carefully to determine whether they are truly the quality of upscale consignments to offer her customers. Nothing stained, ripped, or worn out, is ever accepted. “We treat the store like a typical clothing store or high-end boutique. We change the items seasonally so the clothing is appropriate for the time of the year,” Sandy said. Each day a different item is displayed on Instagram, Facebook, and the website. Sandy advises customers to check daily to see the new trends available. Clothing is not all that is offered at Sandy’s Upscale Consignment. As any woman knows, more than just the items of clothing are needed for a truly finished 17
