THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 26, 1994 TAG: 9410250112
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LORI A. DENNEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
To move forward, Nora Wootton had to close the door on her past.
For more than 20 years, Wootton dreamed of owning her own business. When she separated from her husband 13 years ago, she saw her dream go up in smoke, or so she thought.
Last year she finally realized that there was a way to fulfill the dream of owning her own consignment clothing shop: Sell the family home and the lot it sat on in Cardinal Estates.
``I didn't want to do it. But I knew the only way I could do it was to close the door on one era - the past,'' said Wootton, a North Carolina native. ``It's hard for me to let go of the past. But the best part is I haven't missed it. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself.''
Selling the home meant Wootton had enough money to put a downpayment on a condo, pay off her bills, build a small nest egg and then put the rest into her dream business - Nora's Quality Consignment Clothing.
Wootton opened her business in Lynnhaven Shopping Center, off Virginia Beach Boulevard, in June, one day before her birthday.
It took about $15,000 to $20,000 to open, but it was a figure Wootton was prepared for.
``It takes quite a bit of money,'' she said. She went to places that were remodeling and going out of business to buy her display cases, garment racks and other fixtures. ``I had to buy hangers and pay a contractor to build a wall,'' she said.
Aside from the fixtures and other items, Wootton also had to find a way to attract consignment customers who wanted to sell their gently used quality clothing.
She printed hundreds of fliers and placed advertisements in the newspaper. With the help of word-of-mouth, she had about 300 consignee customers the day she opened.
Wootton offers 60-day contracts for regular clothes. The clothing must be in good shape and fashionable, as well as clean. Wootton prices the items and gets half the earnings.
Customers have a seven-day grace period to pick up any articles that haven't sold. If they decide they don't want the clothing, Wootton will likely donate it to charity.
For finer clothing, such as fur coats, Wootton and the customer will set the price, and the consignment contract is for 90 days.
Wootton's store offers women's and men's clothing, accessories, including jewelry and handbags, and even shoes. Often she receives articles from other fashionable boutiques.
``I have all name brand clothes and, with the budget I live on, there's no way I could afford it otherwise,'' said Betty Francisco, a part-time worker at the shop who was wearing a black Britches jumper that she bought for $20.
``Even if I can afford it, I always come here because there are always other things I can do with my money, in other areas,'' said customer Carolyn Lincoln, the president of Baby Steps, a perinatal addiction program for newborns. ``And the clothes that don't sell, or the ladies don't want, they're given to women who need clothes.''
Some examples of prices in Wootton's shop include an original two-piece Donna Karan outfit for $40 and Colehaan shoes that normally retail for $136 for $30. Leather coats, suits and furs are also sold at much less than their original cost.
``My goal was a better quality resale shop,'' said Wootton, who is in her 50s. MEMO: Nora's Quality Consignment Clothing can be reached at 498-9051. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by CHARLIE MEADS
Nora Wootton, left, owner of Quality Consignment Clothing, helps
Will Liverman Sr. decide whether to buy a gently used leather
jacket.
Betty Francisco, a part-time clerk at the shop, shows some of the
jewelry offered for sale.
by CNB