Fashionistas looking for designer clothing at discount prices don’t have to stray far from the Perkins Road overpass, as Swap Designer Consignment Boutique opened its doors to Baton Rouge shoppers earlier this month.
The store — filled with colorful dresses, tailored blazers, fur coats and Ray-Ban shades — offers boutique overstock and designer consignment items, and the gently used items do not give the impression of old clothes but rather borrowing from a friend’s closet.
Consignment stores, unlike thrift stores, only take high-end pieces, and if the items do not sell, sellers have the option of donating the clothes to charity or taking them back to the original seller.
The first boutique started in New Orleans, but for owner Michelle Reinhardt, a Baton Rouge location was always the dream.
Caitlin Clifford, director of operations, said Baton Rouge was on their radar since the first store opened as Reinhart is a University alumna.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this store up here,” Clifford said. “Everyone is so sweet and welcoming.”
Because the store has consignment goods, the store-goers make money selling their clothing, and the store profits from the sales. Owner Michelle Reinhardt opened the New Orleans store in 2008 to help citizens make money to spend within the community from selling their old clothes. She was able to set her own hours and provide for her family. It was a way to go above and beyond participating in the economy.
Each location has different items based on the area’s demographic; the Baton Rouge location is now figuring out what shoppers want in this city.
Clifford said their other locations don’t take active wear, but this Swap Boutique is starting to take designer work-out clothes because of demand in the University area.
“We’re reworking our system to make sure it’s fitting the shoppers of the area,” Clifford said.
Although the eco-friendly consignment shopping trend has not hit Baton Rouge at full force, Clifford said the city has been welcoming, and Swap Boutique is excited the Capitol City dream has come true.
Shoppers who want to sell their clothes can book an appointment to have someone in the store look at their new, designer garments. Shoppers can choose to sell their chosen items for 40 percent commission or 50 percent store credit.
“We’re reworking our system to make sure it’s fitting the shoppers of the area.”
A Tory Burch necklace.
