Shopping is definitely a favorite pastime for many. Even with all of the opportunities for online buying, there are still people everywhere who just love the full ‘brick and mortar’ experience of fully engaging with items of interest through sight, touch, smell, sound, and perhaps even taste. Online shopping just doesn’t do it for these folks!
Yet the reality is, in spite of the enjoyment, unless one is just window shopping, many simply cannot pay the prices of what is on the retail shelves these days. Is that you?
Wouldn’t you love to find a shop that offers constant variety that’s trendy and unique, exceptional and affordable? You’re not alone!
In fact, one gal in Garrettsville felt that way to such a degree, she decided to do something – open her own resale shop!
One day, while Brandi Wiles-Evans was visiting one of her favorite clothing resale stores in Bolivar, Ohio where she grew up, she asked the same question she always did when she was there. “Why is there nothing like this near Garrettsville?” Except this time she didn’t just leave and go home. She took action.
“I had always thought about having my own business, but didn’t know what kind of business I should open or where,” says Brandi, owner of Second Style. For some reason, after this trip back ‘home,’ the answer became clear. “Immediately after that, I knew a clothing resale store would be the kind of business I would like to open.” And on Saturday, September 7, 2013, Second Style was officially welcomed to the business world of Garrettsville.
Brandi has lived in the Garrettsville and Freedom areas for the last 12 years and currently lives in Freedom with her husband James and their son. Prior to opening the store, she spent 11 years as a high school English and Special Education teacher, eight of which were at Maplewood Career Center in Ravenna. As a former teacher, she remains committed to the local schools and offers a school reward program where spending $100.00 at Second Style allows you to donate $10.00 to the school of your choice. Ask Brandi about it when you stop in.
Local residents who own local businesses care about the local economy! Shopping local always strengthens the community. One of the ways Second Style accomplished this is by providing people the opportunity to earn cash. Local folks are paid for the merchandise they bring in. This is not a consignment shop – you receive cash or credit on the spot for those items which are accepted.
Brandi has received a warm welcome since she opened. “The response from the community has been tremendously positive! Many folks have expressed their appreciation at having a place to purchase clothing without having to drive at least 20 miles from home. The folks of Garrettsville are very friendly and the other local merchants are very supportive of one another.”
Being close to home and providing a needed service in the community where she lives is a double blessing. “I am hoping that Second Style continues to grow and find new customers throughout the next year. In the next five years, I hope to become the first place local residents come to buy and sell clothing and help support the local economy as much as possible.”
Second Style has something for all ages, for both men and women, and for children as well. Special discounts occur every week. Check her Facebook page to plan your visit accordingly!
You’ll find quite an assortment of items at Second Style. Gently used men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing fill the racks along with toys and gear for kids. Jewelry, handbags and other accessories…perfumes and cosmetics, so may things to check out!
The top five items on the ‘wanted list’ is below. Please keep in mind that all items must be clean, free of cigarette smoke and pet hair, and have no holes or stains to be considered for purchase.
1. Plus sized ladies tops
2. Girls dresses
3. Men’s jeans
4. Girls clothes 3T and up
5. Boys jeans
Purchases are made on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Follow Second Style on their Facebook page and you’ll be able to stay informed about specific items she is looking for. She buys seasonally, so you can be one of the first to know what she is looking for and when she has acquired enough. Brandi posts almost daily.
What might you find? Here’s a sampling.These could be sold out, but don’t fret – there’s always plenty of inventory!
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Contact Brandi for a Reseller’s Guide if you are interested in sharing your gently used items. And don’t forget to like her Facebook page so you can stay informed of all the current special discounts and deals offered!
Second Style
8098 Main Street, Garrettsville, Ohio 44231
(330) 527-3300
Tuesday – Friday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
And now for you ‘brick and mortar’ shoppers out there!
Here’s a weekend you won’t want to miss!
Garrettsville and Hiram are hosting a weekend Retail Trail event on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, 26. This will be a great way to see the villages, support local businesses, and enjoy the weekend in beautiful Portage County!
Here’s how it works:
Participants will get a post card at the first business they visit. At each business they will receive a stamp on their post card. Participants will need to receive 6 out of 8 stamps in order to complete their post card and be eligible for the prize drawing. One grand prize will be awarded which will be gift certificates from all of the participating businesses, and 8 others will be awarded a gift certificate from one of the participating businesses.
The prizes will be drawn Saturday evening after closing and all of the completed cards are collected from the participating businesses. Winners will be notified by phone and will be able to pick up their prizes at Second Style.
The following businesses will be participating in the event:
- Second Style Clothing Resale Boutique
- Enchanted Books/ Antiques, Etc.
- Go 2 Girls
- The Villager
- Maggie’s Doughnuts
- The Village Bookstore
- The Business Works
- Art N Flowers
Visit the Garrettsville Chamber of Commerce website where you will find an interactive map to help plan your weekend!
