I thought I’d start a new series on Sundays that spotlights the businesses and shops on the MBIP Bucket List. The MBIP Bucket List is handpicked by yours fooly and represents some great local businesses in the Peoria area. They’re also helping to sponsor the blog, so if you enjoy MBIP, please stop and shop at these fine businesses on the MBIP Bucket List. I’m going to pick the businesses in the order that I signed them up for the Bucket List and the very first one was Moxie’s ReSale Boutique, owned by Mollee Wood. I asked Mollee some questions pertaining to her business and you can read those and her answers below along with some fun photos of her ultra-cool boutique located on Sheridan Road.
MBIP: When did Moxie’s open up?
Mollee: I opened the shop on June 11, 2012.
Do you remember the first item you sold in the store and who bought it?
Yep, it was a Coach handbag to Kara Pauley, she came in to see the progress on the shop and fell in love with it. She’s still a great customer and consignor today.
Was it scary opening up your own business?
Hell yes it was, heck it still is! Opening your own business and not having a steady paycheck sucks, you are responsible for it all but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Why, in your opinion, should people shop at locally owned stores as opposed to the ugly big box chain stores that are evil and suck ass?
I think we all need to shop small businesses because we are the backbone of the country, little shops are cool and different and so not corporate. I mean come on, how many hair colors could I have if I worked for the man?
What are your future goals for Moxies?
World domination! No, really I want my shop to be so much fun that it is a stop on everyone's list, rock stars included!
Where did the name, “Moxie’s ReSale Boutique” come from? Why not, “Mollee’s ReSale Boutique?”
My girlfriend's Melissa and Gina actually said Moxie's plus it takes a lot of Moxie to open your own business!
What’s the most surprising thing that people who have never been in your store would find out when they walk in?
New shopper's and consignors are always surprised by the quality of the clothes that come in. They think it is a boutique and not consignment and they love the vintage!
Do you have any other employees working at Moxie’s?
I have a great back-up system in place full of family and friends that come in and help if I need it and kick me in the ass to get motivated and I adore them for that and Roger, he is my rock.
Does the store have a motto or catchphrase?
Heck yeah it does: “Rockin' your Moxie” and “Wooohoooo”...oh and of course: “Y'all rock my socks!”
Halloween is coming up, do you have anything in stock for this special holiday?
So many great costumes are at the shop right now: Morticia, R2D2, Mad Men, Disco Queen, you name it and I can do it. Come on in with an idea and we will roll with it and make it happen!
Can kids trick or treat your store on Halloween?
Of course kids and pets can come in and trick or treat, I would absolutely love it!
You’re a consignment store, what exactly does that mean?
Consignment means it is a split, in Moxie's case it is a 50/50 split once it has sold. If it doesn't sell you can come back and get it after 60 days or we donate it to The Hope Store here in Peoria and they give it away to people that need it, see recycle and reuse all at once!
What items sell the best in the store and what things do you suggest people bring by to sell?
Wow that is a hard question Marty, hmmm...probably the best selling items are the cowboy boots, great tops and designer jeans.
Any crazy customer stories, you don’t have to name names!
I have a couple but the woman that stayed in the store for nine hours was one of the best! She came in when I opened and I had to ask her to leave an hour after I closed. I had run out of weather questions by then and I think she slept in the bathroom for an hour! I felt rude eating lunch in front of her and I ended up super hungry. I also love the stories of customers finding just what they needed and getting some retail therapy all at once.
What items do you have in stock right now that most people wouldn’t expect to be in your shop?
Designer handbags, MK, Kate Spade and Coach, two Hermes Scarves! A mink wrap, oh you know just the usual...LOL!
Okay, how about some parting words about shopping local in Peoria.
Shop Local because we are the ones you will see out and sometimes working another job to pay the light bill this winter in Polar Vortex 2.
Thanks, Mollee!
Thank you, Marty!
P.S. When I was in Moxie's, Mollee told me there's just two "P-Town White Trash" t-shirts left, one mens and one womens. These are the last two that are going to be made, so this is your last chance to get one! We'll see you all tomorrow!
Moxie's ReSale Boutique
3827 Sheridan Road
Peoria
309-713-2887
Related posts: The MBIP Bucket List and Shop Hop—Moxie's ReSale Boutique.
The Cheques - “To Stone,” from the album, “You Gotta Have Moxie.”
Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!
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Today’s post was brought to you by Kenny's Westside Pub. Check them and all the other fine businesses helping to support this blog over at the MBIP Bucket List Page. Your Daily Random Linkage awaits you at the bottom of the that page as well!
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