Patricia Watkins says if people take just one look at her boutique, Fabuless Consignment, they will be hooked.
Watkins’ shop, located at 10779 Los Alamitos Blvd., is different from what people think of the typical consignment store.
“The misconceptions of most consignment stores is you have to worry about what condition the items are going to be in,” Watkins said. “Many people think thrift store and many times people have a right to be cautious. I am very particular in what I take.”
Nothing in Fabuless Consignment is more than two years old, according to the store’s Web site www.fabulessconsignment.com. The boutique specializes in women’s apparel, including bags, shoes and jewelry.
What makes Fabuless just fabulous and different is she also offers a number of home decorating items, such as bath and beauty products, throw pillows, greeting cards and the like, Watkins said. Watkins’ philosophy is simple.
“If it’s in excellent condition and it’s unique, I will take it,” Watkins said. “It’s a fun store.”
Watkins offers a higher quality of items than one might find at a typical consignment store. She won’t accept brands from such stores as Kohl’s, JC Penney, Kmart, Sears and the like.
She prefers Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom’s and high end boutiques “You can find those brands nearby,” Watkins said. “We want the higher quality brands you won’t find around here.”
She must be doing something right as the boutique received a Best of Orange County Award in 2009. Watkins said great customer service and having pleasant visuals, such as a running fountain right in the store help make for a nicer experience than what is normally thought to be found at a consignment store.
“I just can’t imagine doing anything else,” Watkins said.
This is Watkins’ first time as owner of a shop, which opened in October 2008, but not her first time working in the consignment business.
She was a manager of a consignment store for seven years.
Watkins attended Orange Coast College and got her degree in retail but had no experience in consignment.
She and the store owner were able to teach each other different things, which gave Watkins insight into what she would do as a shop owner.
Business is beginning to pick up, Watkins said, as clients are coming in and spreading the word. “Some just want to keep it to themselves, though,” Watkins said with a laugh. “Without our repeat customers, we wouldn’t be in business.
While there is a pretty high turnover of items at Fabuless, those items that are there for more than two months are donated to the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop.
The longer an item is out on the floor, the bigger the discount.
Watkins is having sales every first Saturday of the month where even deeper discounts can be found on selected merchandaise.
Consignment is a great way for people to make money and save money looking great for less, Watkins said.
“Places like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are discounters,” Watkins said. “We’re a discount on top of the discounters.”
Consignments are accepted from noon-4 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 1-4 p.m., Fridays and noon-3 p.m., Saturdays.
Fabuless Consignment is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; noon to 5, Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays.
The store is located at 10779 Los Alamitos Blvd. in Los Alamitos. For information, contact Patricia at (562) 431-5070.
