Interview with Todd and Marlene Thompson, owners, and Emily Thompson, manager
How did you get involved in this business?
Todd has been in information technology for 30 years and Marlene in medical transcription for the past decade. Their schedules were so varied and they always wanted to do something together. So Todd began researching businesses and found Clothes Mentor, which matched Marlene’s and Emily’s love of fashion and saving money. Since daughter-in-law Emily recently moved to Colorado and had retail experience, they felt she’d be a natural store manager.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
Clothes Mentor is a retail store that buys and sells gently used, name-brand, high-quality clothing for adult women in misses, petite, plus and maternity sizes. Clothes Mentor also buys and sells purses, shoes and jewelry. The strategy is to provide quality, brand-name apparel at ultra-low prices. Clothes are bought from neighbors for cash, and no appointments are necessary.
What do you like best about your line of work?
We project an enjoyable working and shopping environment and love helping value-conscious women find great styles at affordable prices. Many customers visit a few times per week to see the new items. We develop friendships with them and learn what they’re looking for.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Clothing and style are very personal. On the buying side, it’s sometimes difficult to decline certain items because they’re too worn, too old or have imperfections. We have very high buying standards, but we educate our customers nicely and they frequently return with acceptable items.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
Many people hear we’re a resale store and pre-judge Clothes Mentor. When they come in, they say, “Wow! This is not what I expected!” We buy name-brand clothes and even carry some high-end and designer items. During our grand opening, we sold more than 100 purses, about a third of them from designers like Louis Vuitton, Coach, Tory Burch, Kate Spade and others.
Business: Clothes Mentor
Address: 8872 E. Maximus Drive, Lone Tree
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2013
Contact: 303-649-1369, ,
Employees: 9
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail smillett@denverpost.com.
