Interview with Christine Metzger, CEO
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Plus-size clothing was difficult to come by in Denver in 1993. There were very expensive retail stores, and not much consignment. As I traveled for my job, I shopped across the United States and had a large, ever-turning wardrobe. I was looking for someplace to consign my own better brand clothing. I evaluated the existing consignment stores and thought, “There’s a need that’s not being fulfilled, and I understand plus sizes.” Voila! UpScale Plus Women’s Consignment began. Eventually, UpScale Princess was added for our smaller “sisters.”
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We pay attention. We pay compliments. We pay back our community. Our requirements are fluid and we change as the economy changes. We know that today’s clothing buyer has tons of options, so we make sure she gets from us what she can’t get online.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: You never know who or what is going to walk in the front door. After 20 years of doing this, the stories never grow stale. Everyone has a different life experience and we love to hear them all.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: My biggest challenge is having to turn down consignors that have been with me for 20 years. Their wardrobes are not what the younger, working woman is looking for. We look at each item with the thought of, “Is this useful? Or useless!” We think we have a store full of useful items from jeans to cruise wear and lots of jewelry and handbags.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: People are surprised that I have been in the same location since 1993. People might also be surprised to learn that I’m a vegetarian (or a “vegetable-atarian,” as my niece calls me).
Profile
Business: UpScale Plus and UpScale Princess Ladies Consignment
Address: 3890 Kipling St., Suite C, Wheat Ridge
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 1993
Contact: 303-420-5423,
Employees: 3-5
