Curvy Chic Closet: Consignment Shopping For Plus Size Women On The Go

Since 2011, the Plus Biz Connect Contest has introduced us to businesses owned and operated by plus size women. These businesses cater to plus size consumers while offering products and services that plus size women and men can benefit from.

Launched by the International Fuller Woman Expo and Anasites, Plus Biz Connect continues to attract a variety of businesses by allowing consumers to vote on their favorite plus size business. After receiving over 18,000 votes, Curvy Chic Closet came out on top as the winner of the 2nd Plus Biz Connect Contest.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I consider myself a native Oregonian even though I was born in southern California. I grew up in Eugene, Oregon and worked at the University of Oregon Office of Multicultural Affairs office for about ten years before relocating to Portland, Oregon.

After relocating to the Portland area, I worked as a freelance administrative assistant at several domestic and sexual assault agencies for a few years.

Since 1995, my husband and I manager a local computer service and repair shop in Aloha, Oregon.

We have a nine-year old son that keeps us on our toes with life.

I am involved in local business associations as well as volunteer at my son’s school and help out with the Aloha Community Library Association.

I enjoy travelling, shopping for a good bargain, reading fiction books on my kindle, scrapbooking, camping, and gathering with friends during my spare time. I am also a contemporary basket weaver and sell at local art shows and teach coiled basketry.

How did the idea of Curvy Chic Closet come to life?

In the Pacific Northwest there are around 60 children’s consignment sales events. In my area we have the largest children’s consignment events called Pass It On. Over the years, I have participated in this consignment sale as a consigner and as a shopper. This sale has saved hundreds of dollars for my family when I have had to purchase clothes, books and toys for my son. I have also earned money by being a consigner.

It was a year ago that I thought how cool would it be to have a plus size women’s consignment sales event. There are thousands of children’s consignment sales events in the United States. Yet in my research, I could only find 2 plus size consignment sales events. I was surprised by this fact.

I am using the same concept to bring quality plus size clothing at exceptional values to the women in my community. Everyone loves a bargain when it comes to finding plus size clothing.

When attending a Curvy Chic Closet sale, what do you see?

We will rent a community space in our area and host a 2 ½ day event. As a thank you to our volunteers we host a preview sale. Our volunteers help run a smooth consignment sales event. In addition, the volunteers receive a higher consignment by volulnteering.

When you come to our sale, you will see racks and racks of plus size clothing ranging from sizes 14 to 32. We have fabulous clothing, swimwear, coasts/jackets, office wear, shoes, work-out clothing, jewelry, accessories, and lingerie.

We are bringing consigners and shoppers together to find some ”hidden gems” at our consignment sales event. Who can resist finding a pr of almost new Lane Bryant blue jeans for $10 or even a halter-style Torrid party dress for $30, or a Lane Bryant Cacique bra for $7.

In addition, we host a number of local business vendors that have products and services that cater to the plus size woman.

How do you select which items to sale?

You have a closet full of women’s clothing that you no longer need or want. This is where Curvy Chic Closet comes into the picture. The clothing is in good shape; you could earn some money by selling it, but you don’t have time for a garage sale. This is where Curvy Chic Closet comes into the picture.

The consigners are able to use an easy online program to enter their items for the sale.

The next step is for the consigners to bring their items to our event the day before for inspection. As long as the items are clean and in good condition and no older than the last 3 years we will accept their consigned items. .

Our consigners receive 60% return on all their merchandise sold by preparing (cleaning, hanging, tagging) your items for resale. For women who don’t have time to do that, we have a “drop-and-go” option. Those consigners receive 40 percent of their sales.

Volunteers also receive a higher percentage of sales for items they consign, and the more they work, the more money they make.

Do you ever sale any major brands?

Absolutely, at our past sale, our consignors had a wide range of brand such as Torrid, Avenue, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, etc. All of our consigned merchandise must be quality items and in good condition.

What’s the most expensive item to be sold at one of your events?

At the last event, we had a plus size wedding dress and a beautiful Classic Red Coach handbag. The Coach handbag sold for around $65.

What is the price range?

Our consigners set their own price range for their items. Typically with most consignment sales events the price is usually around 25-30% of the original price.

Any plans to open a long term consignment shop?

At this point, I am focused on hosting two Curvy Chic Closet consignment sales events and may look at expanding into other areas of Oregon down the road.

What advice do you have for anyone entering the same business?

My advice would be to find a mentor and surround yourself with friends that will give you honest advice and opinions when you are creating a seasonal consignment sales event. With this type of business, one must be extremely organized and pay attention to details. Curvy Chic Closet is a family-run business with even my 8 year-old-son helping out.

When and where is your next event?

Our next event is scheduled for Thursday, March 29 through Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Aloha, Oregon at a local community church. Be sure to check out facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/CurvyChicCloset