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Troy Mitchell is not surprised to be selling used upscale clothing in downtown Chillicothe at Nine Twenty Four.
“I always thought I’d have a secondhand store,” said Mitchell, who said he frequents garage sales and auctions. He points out, however, it is really his wife, Andrea’s, business.
He knew, however, that he would have to choose between selling used goods or clothing, merely due to the size of his building at 924 N. Second St.
Mitchell closed his bicycle shop at the same location last winter, which was more of a seasonal store anyway, he said.
A shirttail relative of Andrea’s assisted them in the concept of the “upscale resale” business as she runs one in the St. Louis area.
“We were needing a consignment shop in Chillicothe,” said Andrea.
Residents may notice Andrea’s thick accent as English is her second language. She and Mitchell met two years ago in what sounds like the atmosphere of a movie: the train station. While in Bloomington with his son, Mitchell spotted her and they chatted, ending with an e-mail address secured. He met her for lunch later in Springfield and began corresponding online. She was visiting her sisters in both the aforementioned cities.
After four or five months in the United States, she had to return to her native country: Colombia, South America, for three months. She and Mitchell were married in July 2010.
Also about two years ago, Mitchell began thinking about the possible business, even before the charity thrift shop Helping Hands began.
He already bought the racks needed for the venture, and he hesitated once Helping Hands opened.
He decided, though, that his business was different than what Helping Hands offered the community. Nine Twenty
Four specializes in more upscale and brand-name clothing and accessories.
“I think we’re a completely different concept,” said Mitchell. “I don’t think we’re stepping on any toes.”
Coming up with a name proved to be troublesome, so the Mitchells decided to go with the trend of making the store’s name out of numbers: specifically the street address.
Within the walls is clothing for all ages and sizes, maternity, women’s plus size and all men’s sizes. The shop also offers accessories of purses, boots, shoes, belts, scarves, hats, gloves and jewelry. In the future, the business may offer uniforms, sports apparel, sunglasses, prom dresses and more.
Troy Mitchell is not surprised to be selling used upscale clothing in downtown Chillicothe at Nine Twenty Four.
“I always thought I’d have a secondhand store,” said Mitchell, who said he frequents garage sales and auctions. He points out, however, it is really his wife, Andrea’s, business.
He knew, however, that he would have to choose between selling used goods or clothing, merely due to the size of his building at 924 N. Second St.
Mitchell closed his bicycle shop at the same location last winter, which was more of a seasonal store anyway, he said.
A shirttail relative of Andrea’s assisted them in the concept of the “upscale resale” business as she runs one in the St. Louis area.
“We were needing a consignment shop in Chillicothe,” said Andrea.
Residents may notice Andrea’s thick accent as English is her second language. She and Mitchell met two years ago in what sounds like the atmosphere of a movie: the train station. While in Bloomington with his son, Mitchell spotted her and they chatted, ending with an e-mail address secured. He met her for lunch later in Springfield and began corresponding online. She was visiting her sisters in both the aforementioned cities.
After four or five months in the United States, she had to return to her native country: Colombia, South America, for three months. She and Mitchell were married in July 2010.
Also about two years ago, Mitchell began thinking about the possible business, even before the charity thrift shop Helping Hands began.
He already bought the racks needed for the venture, and he hesitated once Helping Hands opened.
He decided, though, that his business was different than what Helping Hands offered the community. Nine Twenty
Four specializes in more upscale and brand-name clothing and accessories.
“I think we’re a completely different concept,” said Mitchell. “I don’t think we’re stepping on any toes.”
Coming up with a name proved to be troublesome, so the Mitchells decided to go with the trend of making the store’s name out of numbers: specifically the street address.
Within the walls is clothing for all ages and sizes, maternity, women’s plus size and all men’s sizes. The shop also offers accessories of purses, boots, shoes, belts, scarves, hats, gloves and jewelry. In the future, the business may offer uniforms, sports apparel, sunglasses, prom dresses and more.
How the consignment works is this: A seller brings in an item, and the Mitchells make sure it is something they can sell. Clothing is to be brought on hangers and should be clean, no rips or stains and minimal wrinkles. They try to price the items while the seller is there and attempt to keep the pricing consistent on pieces within the store. Mitchell said their prices are $1 or $2 cheaper than Peoria consignment shops.
It is a 50/50 split of the selling price, which remains at full price for eight weeks. On the ninth week, the price is lowered to half off. In the 10th week, the prices changes to $1 or $2 depending on its original price.
After 10 weeks, the items are donated to Helping Hands. Sellers are not obligated to leave items if they want them back before the price is lowered.
Mitchell said they looked at lots of contracts for consignment shops and tried to simplify the process for sellers. A minimum of 10 items must be brought in the first time to set up an account. Mitchell said most consignment shops require 25 items. Any time a seller has $20 in sales they may receive a check, or any money they make they can use in store credit.
Nine Twenty Four is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and is closed Sunday. Gift certificates are available and credit cards are accepted.
