Do you love shopping but simply cannot afford to pay the prices of what is on the retail shelves these days?
You’re not alone!
In fact, one gal in Garrettsville felt so strongly about it, she decided to do something – open her own resale shop!
One day, while Brandi Wiles-Evans was visiting one of her favorite clothing resale stores in Bolivar, Ohio where she grew up, she asked the same question she always did when she was there. “Why is there nothing like this near Garrettsville?” Except this time she didn’t just leave and go home. She took action.
“I had always thought about having my own business, but didn’t know what kind of business I should open or where,” says Brandi, owner of Second Style. For some reason, after this trip back ‘home,’ the answer became clear. “Immediately after that, I knew a clothing resale store would be the kind of business I would like to open.” And on Saturday, September 7, 2013, Second Style was officially welcomed to the business world of Garrettsville.
Brandi has lived in the Garrettsville and Freedom areas for the last 12 years and currently lives in Freedom with her husband James and their son. Prior to opening the store, she spent 11 years as a high school English and Special Education teacher, eight of which were at Maplewood Career Center in Ravenna. As a former teacher, she remains committed to the local schools and is excited about the potential her business will have to support them through the school reward program she has just started as of March 1, 2014.
Rewards Program
The Second Style School Rewards Program gives customers the opportunity to participate through the use of a stamp card. “When they spend $100.00 at Second Style, I will make a $10.00 donation to the school of their choice. These funds will go into the principal’s account in each school. The principals commonly use these funds to pay for student recognition and rewards and to cover the cost of field trips for students unable to afford them.”
Local residents who own local businesses care about the local economy! Shopping local always strengthens the community. Supporting Brandi’s shop also provides residents the opportunity to earn cash. Local folks are paid for the merchandise they bring in. This is not a consignment shop – you receive cash or credit on the spot for those items which are accepted.
A couple of other benefits to resale shopping include paying only a fraction of what their new counterparts cost and conserving and protecting the environment.
So far, Brandi has received a warm welcome. “The response from the community has been tremendously positive! Many folks have expressed their appreciation at having a place to purchase clothing without having to drive at least 20 miles from home. The folks of Garrettsville are very friendly and the other local merchants are very supportive of one another.”
Being close to home and providing a needed service in the community where she lives is a double blessing. “I am hoping that Second Style continues to grow and find new customers throughout the next year. In the next five years, I hope to become the first place local residents come to buy and sell clothing and help support the local economy as much as possible.”
Second Style has something for all ages, for both men and women, and for children as well. Special discounts occur every week. “I currently offer a 10% discount for senior citizens each Tuesday, 10% for Hiram College students on Wednesdays, and 15% for students on the honor roll at the end of each grading period (they need to bring in their report card).”
What to Expect
You’ll find quite an assortment of items at Second Style. Gently used men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing fill the racks along with toys and gear for kids. Jewelry, handbags and other accessories…so may things to check out!
The top five items on the ‘wanted list’ is below. Please keep in mind that all items must be clean, free of cigarette smoke and pet hair, and have no holes or stains to be considered for purchase.
1. Plus sized ladies tops
2. Girls dresses
3. Men’s jeans
4. Girls clothes 3T and up
5. Boys jeans
Purchases are made on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Follow Second Style on their Facebook page and you’ll be able to stay informed about specific items she is looking for. She buys seasonally, so you can be one of the first to know what she is looking for and when she has acquired enough. Brandi posts almost daily.
There are dozens of photos – both past and present – for a sampling of what you’ll find. Here’s a little display of some of things she has had in stock, and maybe still does! I guess you’ll have to go and see for yourself!
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Contact Brandi for a Reseller’s Guide if you are interested in sharing your gently used items. And don’t forget to like her Facebook page so you can stay informed of all the current special discounts and deals offered!
Second Style
8098 Main Street
Garrettsville, Ohio 44231
(330) 527-3300
Tuesday – Friday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
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