by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Classic, hip, trendy, now. Those are the words Manny Altman uses to describe her Southbank consignment shop, Glad Rags Upscale Resale Boutique.
Altman badgered the original owners of the 15-year-old shop until they agreed to sell it to her four years ago. Buying into a business with name recognition was her primary goal. After building a following, Altman moved the store from Riverside to the Southbank 11 months ago and revamped its image.
“This is a totally different concept,” said Altman. “This is more contemporary. I didn’t do this concept over there; it was just a regular consignment shop. This is more my personality. This store is better, monetary-wise. Nobody in Riverside would pay $200 for a purse. Here, they know what it [the name brand] is.”
Although Glad Rags is essentially a consignment shop because all the clothes are resale, the merchandise is new. Altman pulls three-quarters of her stock from 15 boutiques nationwide that sell their wares by consignment through her. Previously, the owner of three different outlets, Altman decided to focus on just one to regain control over operations and ensure good customer service.
“Business does 120 percent better when I’m here [in the shop],” she said. “I’ve built up a clientele. People ask for me. If you don’t have customer service, you’re screwed.”
Fashion’s hottest styles typically hit the larger metropolitan areas first, then filter down to smaller cities such as Jacksonville. For those determined to stay en vogue, searching for that perfect outfit can be as difficult as finding the perfect mate. Securing those pieces the super models sport in the fashion magazines is Altman’s objective.
“They’re exclusive lines that I take,” she said.
High-end Italian shoes, garments by Valentino, Gucci and other famous designers grace her racks. But ultra-modern style doesn’t come cheap.
“Do people come in here and lay down cash, yes,” she said. “But you get more for your money. Juicy Jeans retail for $120 but you can get them here for $48.50 and they’re new. There’s a market for this concept in downtown.”
When she was 12, Altman debuted on the fashion scene, strutting down a catwalk as a model. She designed clothes for a television show called “Dance Factory” and produced a line called Fresh Squeezed. When she was 17, she worked as a buyer in Miami for a high-end bridal couturier.
“I stay on top of trends for myself so I know what’s in style,” she said. “It’s a daily education because everything changes daily.”
Altman anticipates a business boom because of the increase in residential units downtown.
“It will be advantageous for every merchant,” she said. “I’m a non-competitive person. Everybody has their own niche. My niche is unique.”
Once Altman switched from a consignment shop to a chic resale boutique, her clientele changed completely. Former customers felt the new concept was too pricey and new patrons filled the void.
“I’ve always liked fashion,” said Altman. “I like the concept of someone walking into the store needing help, wanting to become more fashion-conscious and leaving with clothing that makes her feel like a princess. I like to make people look good and feel good. Self-confidence is very important in this day and age.”
More and more, consignment shops are moving away from vintage hand-me-downs to gently worn fashions less than five years out of date. Few stores can afford to carry discarded, passe wardrobes and keep profits in the black.
“My business philosophy is to always be unique and creative,” she said. “In a consignment shop, you never know what you’re going to get. Every day is like Christmas. This business is fun. It’s a blast; it’s fashion-forward.”