Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
West Chester store has 20 reasons to celebrate
Resale boutique sells clothing, jewelry, handbags and accessories
Christine’s Consignment Boutique is celebrating its anniversary Nov. 13.
WEST CHESTER » Christine’s Consignment Boutique is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a gala event on Thursday, Nov. 13.
The resale boutique has won several “Best Of” awards in regional competitions and is known as West Chester’s premier consignment boutique favored by shoppers looking for ladies’ new and pre-owned quality clothing, fine and unique jewelry, handbags and accessories.
“I enjoyed being in business for these past 20 years,” said owner Christine Hasen. “I’ve had great customers and wonderful staff. I’ve watched the children of my customers grow up and they’ve become customers. We have the second generation of consumers. The staff has grown from one part-time employee to six. We try to make the shopping experience special for everyone coming through our doors.”
The special anniversary event will take place at the store, 105 Westtown Road, West Chester, on Thursday, Nov. 13, with giveaways, food and music. Also, the first 20 customers to arrive will receive a $20 gift card.
“At Christine’s we understand all women want to look their best, and the best clothing brands make the best impression,” Hasen said. “You don’t have to pay boutique and highend department store prices to get fashions from today’s musthave designers. Throughout the store, stashed high and low, and in every corner, are fabulous treasures, all with massive discounts off retail prices.”
When Christine’s Consignment Boutique opened its doors in 1994 the world of resale was just taking off in popularity, partly because of eBay and garage and yard sales, according to Hasen.
“The consignment boutique business has changed a lot during those years,” she said. “We began by offering clothing for women, men and children. We found we were most effective by concentrating on better label and designer merchandise for women that is moderately priced.”
Wish lists for customers are maintained and Christine’s cus- tomers are alerted when a specific sought after piece of merchandise enters the store. “The retail world has evolved into one where there are so many choices for people to shop and many discount outlets for clothing. We offer extraordinary service.”
The store offers both consignment and buyout programs for those wanting to sell items. Items that don’t sell are donated to local organizations. “I’m a long-time Rotarian and my business cheerfully supports many Rotary efforts,” Hasen said. “We offer coats to organizations with individuals in need of them. Another favorite event is the annual Senior Center Fashion Show. We’re a partner of Wings for Success and we also support schools and collect food for the West Chester Food Cupboard.”
The store has 6,800 suppliers, those using either consignment or selling to the store through buyout.
Hasen believes her owner involved business with an emphasis on personal, customer service sets her boutique apart from competitors. “We have fair prices, we give special treatment to our customers and we sell authentic designer merchandise,” she said.