New Business Profile: Upcycle Consignment Boutique

Here's an idea: if you have clothes you don't want - or, for many of us, clothes that just don't fit anymore - why not sell to somebody who does want them.
Billie Luecke found a niche doing exactly that.
The Upcycle Consignment Boutique originally opened in June 2018, but Luecke has new ideas and new store hours to offer customers.
"I wanted to provide our community a low-priced shopping alternative, a place where name-brand clothes can be reused," said Luecke. "We give back to the community, as well. It's rare that an item doesn't sell, but if it doesn't it's often donated to a foster home, church, or a nursing home for a resident in need."
Originally from Nebraska, Luecke got the idea for her store after working for a friend who ran a similar business. Luecke and her husband, Alex, live in Concordia with their four children: Zoie, age 10, Corra, age 11, Alexis, age 12, and Draven, age 13.
Located at 1825 East Sixth Street, Upcycle Consignment Boutique is a large, expansive store. Luecke said she has over 15,000 items in stock. And it's not just clothes. There are shoes, jewelry, purses, and accessories like scarves, sunglasses, makeup bags, wallets. There are even a few bras.
"But, as a rule," Luecke said, "we don't sell lingerie."
Ninety-eight percent of the merchandise in stock is on consignment. "We only take name-brand clothes," Luecke said. "I steam clean everything before I put it out."
With the motto of 'Find Cash In Your Closet!' here's the basic idea of how the business works: bring in your name-brand clothing or accessory, and Luecke determines a price based on the quality of the item and the local buying demographic. The item is then put on consignment for 60 days.
If the item doesn't sell within a certain time frame, the price drops. Luecke noted that, "Many of our customers like to "play the waiting game" to see if the item they want will still be here when the price drops."
Luecke goes over every contract with the consigner, and there are things the store does not take on consignment, like adult swim wear, lingerie, blazers, dress jackets, wedding dresses, altered clothing or monogrammed clothing.
There are also seasonal times for consignment. Spring and summer consigning takes place between February and June. Fall and winter consigning is from September through December.
Luecke only accepts name-brand clothing. "We pride ourselves on providing quality items. There are never any rips, no tears, no stains. I make sure every item is in good condition before it goes out."
The boutique's most popular brands are Victoria Secret, Pink, Maurices, Rock Revival, Under Armour, Nike and Converse.
Consigners always have access to their account. "When they reach over $10 in sales, we cut them a check. Or they can use the funds as a line of credit for in-store purchases. Some of our consigners sell something in the store, and then buy something in the store."
Beginning April 5, the new store hours will be Monday-thru-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is closed on Saturday and Sunday. The phone number is 785-262-7788.
If you have name-brand clothing or accessories that you'd like to sell, stop in and see Luecke at the Upcycle Consignment Boutique. Or drop by to browse the thousands of items for sale at a discounted price. See some of the merchandise in stock on their website: upcycle-consignment.com