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Another fantastic Resale Partner. Just For You Shoppe
Joe Schroeder, co-owner of Just For You Shoppe in Grand Rapids, Ohio, likes the idea of knowing more about women’s handbags and apparel than any guy should ever know or admit. It means he and his business partner, Stephanie Ringler, are a well-oiled machine. Thanks to Stephanie’s knowledge of fashion merchandising and Joe’s business sense, Just For You Shoppe is 16 years and counting.
Why did you choose to go into the women’s apparel consignment business?
I just wanted to own my own business. When the owner of a local consignment shop was selling their business, Stephanie and I decided to jump on it! When we first opened, the bulk of our business was children’s apparel and infant furnishings. Since 2008, we’ve switched to home decor and women’s apparel. Stephanie and I are a true team. We really learn from each other which takes away the weirdness of being a man in this industry.
After 16 years, what is the best business advice you can give someone just starting out?
We weathered a couple of rough years after a strong start. You have to be prepared to learn. You can’t go into business, especially resale, as a jaded “expert.” You have to be willing to take advice, listen to your customers and consignors, and make your business your life.
The front window of Just For You Resale Shoppe
How do you measure success?
Success to us is a compliment accompanied by growth. Hearing people talk positively about our Shoppe puts a smile on our faces. Obviously, though, we’re a business and the bottom line is of utmost importance. If there isn’t monthly growth, we start looking closely at our business. Is the quality of our goods the same? Is our staff consistent in their delivery of customer and consignor service? Was the weather significantly different? We expect growth each month and we’ve achieved it.
What do you like best about the consignment industry?
I’m a treasure hunter! The fun of consignment is truly never knowing what’s going to be on the floor from one week to the next. As a “flea market picker,” diving into our intake boxes is always a thrill. It’s fun and exciting. I can’t wait to “retire” so I can spend more time working at the Shoppe!
What are you doing to counter the negative image of resale?
We were the first of our kind in the area. It was disheartening to hear, “Oh, it’s just used stuff.” We’ve countered with beautiful displays, attractive windows, plus seasonal and swing shop changes so that people can’t help but stop in. We constantly experiment with different lines and are always on the move.
How has SimpleConsign helped Just For You Resale Shoppe?
The combined power of SimpleConsign’s POS and consignment management has eliminated costly errors and given us so much more free time to be on the floor doing what we love. The program paid for itself in the first year by helping us discover an employee theft situation. We lost thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise. We would have never caught on had it not been for using SimpleConsign. I can honestly say there isn’t a single thing I dislike about SimpleConsign.
Just For You Resale Shoppe interior
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d like to have a thicker shell and be able to stick to my guns more. I don’t care for conflict. I like to see people happy and pleased. Sometimes, this allows people to walk all over me and take advantage.
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
My family. My wife and children mean the world to me. They make me proud every day. I consider their success my success and biggest accomplishment.
Be sure to head to the Facebook Page for Just For You Shoppe and give them a “Like.” Leave them a message while you’re at it.
To hear about another wonderful resale partner of ours, read, Resale Partners: How Kari’s Treasure Trove was 23+ years in the making.
