DALLAS, Feb. 3, 2000, (PRIMEZONE) -- When Crissa's Closet resale shop was established as a means of generating funds for a women's shelter, the founders broke from the stereotypical mold of the typical charity-based retail store. Experienced resale store management was hired, space in a newly remodeled shopping area in an upscale North Dallas neighborhood was located and a boutique style of merchandising of donated clothing was created. The result is far from the expected - low prices on desirable gently used and new women's clothing and accessories in a highly visible, easily accessible, convenient and well-lit location.
Boutique styling Billed as a "resale boutique," Crissa's Closet is professionally managed by Mardi Allen, who previously owned a successful upscale resale shop in California before moving to Dallas in 1998. The uniquely merchandised store has the appearance of a fashionable boutique due to the work of professional visual merchandiser Kimberley Holloway, who works in the store part-time. In addition, the lighting is superior to that of the major department stores, further assisting the selection and matching process.
Donations come into the store from all over the Metroplex, but mostly from affluent neighborhoods in Plano and North Dallas, so the clothing, purses, costume jewelry and shoes offered are from the top brands - Carol Little, Liz Claiborne, Kasper, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Dooney & Bourke. Jeans range from Levi's to Ralph Lauren to Guess. "From petites to plus sizes, denim to sequins, we have a large variety of items in sizes from 2 to 26, to fit every taste and budget," said Holloway.
Life's transitions In addition to her operations duties, store manager Allen has expertise in conducting seminars on appropriate dress for corporate America and the newer concept of the "dressed down Friday style" allowed at many businesses. Her input is as valuable to young women starting careers as to women who are returning to the workforce after raising children, or someone who has drastically changed sizes. "I'm always happy to assist anyone in putting together a professional wardrobe that works for their lifestyle and budget," said Allen.
Allen assisted one regular customer in replacing her entire work wardrobe and most of the casual wear after a life-altering situation resulted in a 40-pound weight loss, mostly over the spring and summer. "Suddenly, this professional woman found after a change of seasons, she had nothing to wear on the job and purchasing a large wardrobe of suits was unthinkable at full retail prices," said Allen. "In addition, she had little time to shop and found it increasingly difficult to find her new size in regular retail stores where clothing now is mostly geared for the average size 12 woman."
Allen's experience also assists women living at Hope's Door women's shelter who come to the boutique to find clothing that will help them rebuild the confidence needed to start a new life and to enter the workforce, some for the first time. "Having the right business clothing can provide the level of support needed to those who must go out and face the world and interview for jobs," said Renee Carroll-Grate, the executive director of Hope's Door. "That makes the successful of Crissa's Closet important on two fronts - generating needed funds for the shelter, as well as providing professional clothing the women assisted by Hope's Door need to be successful in the new lives they are establishing for themselves and their children," Carroll-Grate added.
Location, location, location Situated in Meadow Central (Meadow Road exit off of North Central Expressway), Crissa's Closet faces North Central on the west and is located just north of the Tom Thumb grocery store. An Eckerd's drug store anchors in the renovated center's south end. The shopping area faces North Central Expressway and is accessible from the access road on the west between Royal and Meadow Road and from Meadow Road. The store operates Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hours are extended to 7 p.m. on Thursday. The store closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tax-deductible donations are accepted at the store Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hope's Door Hope's Door shelter is located in Plano, but and serves battered women and their children from both Dallas and Collin counties.