Stories of pain, and prosperity, during recession
Times Staff
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 11:16 AM
The economy boomed in 2004 when Catherine Ansel opened the doors of Couture Designer Boutique.
Then, a steady stream of customers came into her high-end Westchase consignment store to snap up designer clothes and accessories and to sell some of their own.
Today's economy is a far cry from those glory days, but Ansel's business still flourishes.
"We're getting a lot of great items that we probably wouldn't normally (get) because consignors, who had tons of bags before, are now thinking they should let go of some," said Ansel, 40.
The shelves at her shop resemble a luxury department store. There's the white leather Christian Dior purse. A pair of strappy brown Manolo Blahnik shoes. A cultured pearl necklace.
And with the economy in the dumps, many customers who usually buy designer goods look past department stores and to Ansel for their retail fix.
"We have tons of things that have never been worn or only worn once," Ansel said.
Business may be good, but Ansel notices the emotional toll the recession is having on her clients.
"They call often to see if their items have sold," she said. "They want to know what's the first day they can pick up a check."
Nicole Hutcheson, Times Staff Writer
http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/stories-of-pain-and-prosperity-during-recession/1033470
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