A unique retail clothing business is expected to open its doors later this month.
The store, called reVIBE! is set to open at 77 Centre Street North by Feb. 26.
The new enterprise will feature “reclaimed clothing and eco-eclectics,” which owner Jenny Cressman said is to indicate the ecologically green nature of the business mandate.
Besides reclaimed clothing, reVIBE! will offer other reused or repurposed items, particularly antique furniture and art made with recycled materials.
“This concept developed because I have noticed a growing need in this community for affordable, good-quality used clothing, especially for women,” she said. “At reVIBE! we intend to offer interesting, gently used clothing for budget-conscious shoppers, including some vintage items.”
Cressman said that as planning for the business progressed, the green theme of the store quickly evolved to include other forms of reuse.
“Since antiques can be considered recycling in one of its purest forms, they were a natural addition. Antique dressers, wardrobes and tables will be used for displaying clothing and will be for sale on consignment. Peter E. Baker Antiques, based in Quebec, will supply most of the furniture. Some people will be familiar with that name due to his appearances on various antique road show programs, both the Canadian and British versions.”
Local artists are also being invited to submit work on consignment, Cressman said, as long as it meets the criteria that it is, at least in part, made from recycled materials.
“One of the featured artists will be Jennifer Pimentel, who makes beautiful necklaces using reclaimed exotic woods, such as Brazilian cherry. She has decorated these small blocks of wood with beautiful original paintings, creating unique focal points for necklaces made with colour-coordinated glass and wood beads. As space allows, other handcrafted items will be added, such as folk art pieces, as long as they fit in with the concept and vibe of the store.”
Cressman said the store is committed to sourcing out interesting clothing in a variety of sizes and styles, which can be offered at affordable prices.
“To do this, we will be dealing mainly with out-of-town used clothing wholesale operations. As well, reVIBE! will accept local clothing donations or trade-ins as part of our “create your own discount” deal. Through this incentive plan, customers can bring in good used clothing to trade in. Staff will assess it and, if it can be resold, a store credit will be given toward any purchase the customer makes that day.”
She said that any clothing brought in that cannot be sold for whatever reason will be given back to the customer or passed on to a charitable organization.
The store will also be donating 50 per cent from the sale of its cloth shopping bags to the Chrysalis Women’s Shelter.
The store’s staff will be comprised mainly of women, in keeping with Cressman’s vision for this venture.
“I see this business project as a way to enhance the community and to assist its residents, particularly women. For this and other reasons, I will be maintaining my part-time position with the Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group, based at Chrysalis, and have hired Lorraine Nelson as my full-time retail manager. I have known her for many years and have been repeatedly impressed by her customer service acumen and her creative flair. I consider her to be a definite asset to the reVIBE! team, as I do the other key members, Jen Dix and Penny Patterson, who each have very different skill sets and experiences that are incredibly valuable to this project.”
To celebrate the opening, a gala grand opening celebration is being planned for March 8, International Women’s Day, at noon. Linda McLean will be performing and Soul Sistas will be providing refreshments.
Cressman said more details about this event will be made available as they are confirmed. For more information call the store at 788-5078.