Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Smith.
Kimberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I bought the store after leaving a career in emergency medicine behind me back in 2006 under the name Box of Chocolate. I ran the store as is, but finally changed the name to Retail Therapy a few years later. Over years we have expanded from 3,000 sq. to approx. 5,000 sq ft. We specialize in ladies and children’s clothing and accessories. We offer endless brands from mid-range to high end for a fraction of the retail price. I run the store with a fabulous staff of 4 including my mom who has been instrumental in making the business flow. We have ebbed and flowed over the past 11 years (which we celebrated August 1 of 2017). We tried different things like home decor and men’s clothing but found our niche in ladies and children’s items. I have poured my heart in to this store from growing pains to all of the customers that have helped make us what we are. I love that God put me here to do this!
Has it been a smooth road?
We have had some growing pains that is for sure! The first week I owned it the main AC unit went out so we came in to this 10k in debt! A year or two in we knocked down the wall and expanded which increased our rent and then a few years later did it again. We have had a garbage truck take out the electrical service to the business when the truck ripped everything off the side of the building putting us out of commission for more than a week. We survived Hurricane Ike living in the store while our home was out of commission. It has been an interesting journey, but a great one at the same time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a ladies and children’s clothing resale boutique that specializes in clothing and accessories from head to toe. We have almost 6,000 consignors. While we have owned the store for 11 years it has been here for 30 years in combined ownership. I am most proud of the fact that we took the shop from an overcrowded, out of date shop to one that carries newer items that cater to our community. We have very diverse groups that shop with us. We have a $2.00 rack for those who are just getting back to those looking for the most high end brands and everyone in between. What sets us apart is it doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for a $2.00 item or just bought the finest Louis Vuitton we carry you’ll get the best customer service. We know we are nothing without our customers and consignors and we love every single one of them for helping make this business what it is.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Houston is a GREAT place for our business. It’s so diverse! There’s so many different cultures and blends of people there is something for everyone. There are great people where ever you turn and always someone willing to lend a hand or have a great piece of advice. I couldn’t think of a better place to be than Houston!
Contact Info:
- Address: 10782 Grant Rd.
Houston, Texas 77070 - Website: www.retailtherapyresale.com
- Phone: 281-955-0806
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: retailtherapyresale
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Retail-Therapy-Resale-Boutique
- Twitter: @RTResale
Image Credit:
Kimberly Smith
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