Little did Jenn Franco know that when she decided to launch her high-end retail website, her Sweet Repeats Ladies Consignment Boutique would soon be closed due to a pandemic.
In a serendipitous move, Jenn said she had been thinking about doing the website for awhile and had started working on it just before the shutdown. “I wanted to feature the more unique and expensive items that were consigned in the store. We wanted better visibility to Internet shoppers and thus be able to command better pricing for our consignment sellers.”
The website also gives sellers the opportunity to set up a personal account and keep track of their balances online. “Consigners can contact me to get a password to set their consignor account active,” Jenn explained.
With the store temporarily closed, Jenn had the time to work out the bugs and finally got the website up and running May 1. The brick and mortar location, at the southeast corner of Recker Road and University Drive, is also open for business after being closed for 45 days. Shoppers now have two choices for updating that summer wardrobe with style at deep discounts.
And don’t worry about cleanliness. According to Jenn, all items accepted for consignment must be freshly cleaned and without spots or damage. In addition, Jenn steams items or airs them for at least 24 hours before offering them for sale.
Only five items are allowed in the try-on rooms, and they are also steamed or aired before re-stocking in the shop.
Jenn gives shoppers the option to wear masks. Disposable masks on request are subject to availability, but she said she will always wear one during consignment appointments. Consignments are by appointment only. No walk-ins can be accepted at this time. If you have gently used, designer brand-name clothes, shoes or accessories, Jenn encourages you to give her a call or email for an appointment.
Only 10 people (including staff and shoppers) are allowed in the store at once. Sanitizing is done regularly throughout the day.
“But if venturing out is still not for you, check out the website at SweetRepeatsMesa.com for all the latest fashions and accessories. You can also buy online and pick-up at the store,” Jenn suggested.
“Many of you may have made your way back to different parts of the country, so if you can’t come shopping with us in person make sure to check us out online, as we can ship across the country and into Canada.”
“At first it was very labor intensive to photograph the chosen items and get them all uploaded,” Jenn explained. “Now we can do it immediately, so we always have fresh new finds to browse.”
Sweet Repeats Ladies Consignment Boutique is located at 6039 E. University Drive. Shopping hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sunday. For consignment appointments, email sweetrepeatsmesa@outlook.com. For information, call (480) 275-2480, or visit SweetRepeatsMesa.com.