College students on a budget will soon have a new Court Street retail store to shop at, thanks to a local businesswoman’s plan to expand her business.
Lindsey Brooks opened The Recycled Wardrobe at 49 W. Columbus St. in Nelsonville last July. Brooks said she's wanted to expand into the Athens market for a long time, and she now is achieving this goal by opening a second location at 61 N. Court St. starting Oct. 1.
“I knew when I first opened my store that I definitely wanted to one day get into Athens,” Brooks said. “I grew up and still live around here, so I have always loved the feel that this community brings.”
Two months ago, plans for the new storefront began. Because the property was formerly owned and used by Figleaf, Brooks said she has been able to move quickly on this project. She renovated "basic cosmetics," installing fixtures and wall hangings.
The Athens’s location will operate similarly to the current Nelsonville store, offering “gently used brand name clothing” for sale. What will set the two stores apart, Brooks said, is that this store will be “more geared towards college students.”
“There are a lot of great stores already in Athens,” Brooks said, “but price wise, I think my store will stand out, because I want to bring something to Athens that students can afford.”
To cater to Brooks’ 18-30-year-old target audience, The Recycled Wardrobe will only carry “specific brands in specific styles” that reflect the “junior market,” such as Buckle, Urban Outfitters, American Eagle, Hollister and Forever 21. All merchandise will range from $7 to $30, Brooks added.
“I feel like the couple of little shops uptown are more pricey and only offer customers with a specific style,” Brooks said. “(The Recycled Wardrobe) will instead offer a large variety of styles and brands that young people are currently wearing, all at affordable prices.”
Although inventory from Nelsonville will initially be brought to fill the racks of the Athens store, The Recycle Wardrobe will hold set buying days shortly after its opening. These will allow the store to bring in inventory and will offer opportunities for participants to receive cash for their unwanted clothing, Brooks said.
She added that only clothing that is in “pristine condition with no missing buttons, holes or stains” will be considered for purchase.
“These set buying dates will not only help me out with my store, but it will also give students the opportunity to make a little more cash,” Brooks said.
She said she hopes The Recycled Wardrobe will become a Court St. retail staple.
“I’m excited about being able to grow The Recycled Wardrobe,” Brooks said. “I’m looking forward to what Athens and the students will bring.”
sl642509@ohiou.edu
