Retail Therapy Resale Boutique offers a variety of women clothing and accessories as well as children uniforms in Cypress. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
After years of responding to emergencies as an EMT, Kimberly Smith found a different way to take care of people in 2006. Smith now serves the community through a consignment store she took over 20 years ago with used brand-name clothing in Cypress.
Beyond resale, the shop extends its mission by donating clothing to a local women's shelter, turning gently worn pieces into a source of identity and fresh starts for women in need.
Staying local
Located in Cypress, Retail Therapy Resale Boutique has been a staple in the community for over 40 years, Smith said. Under her ownership, Smith rebranded the boutique with a new name and her own concept.
The boutique features brands ranging from Free People to Michael Kors, with prices starting at $9.99. Organized by category, including children's uniforms, shoes, handbags, women's clothing and formal attire, Retail Therapy provides a curated shopping experience.
Kimberly Smith took ownership of Retail Therapy in 2006. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The consignment boutique blends simplicity and style, offering an uncluttered space. With over 8,300 consignments, Retail Therapy has several standards for its selected pieces. Anyone interested in consigning must bring clean, wrinkle-free, in-season items on hangers.
In addition, items must:
Be hair-free
Be stain-free
Have functional zippers and buttons
Be on current trends and no more than three years old
The boutique's regulations ensure customers have quality items to choose from and give items a greater chance to sell. Consignors receive a 40% commission on items sold within 60 days. After the 60-day period, consignors have the option of picking up items not sold or donating them to the boutique's clearance section, Smith said.
Retail Therapy has a section with formal attire. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
What's special about it?
Other than the boutiques' thoughtfully curated layout, Smith said at Retail Therapy Resale Boutique, customers can be assured a welcoming experience with an elevated customer service experience.
“I tell my staff, ‘You may be the only nice person that that person talks to all day long,'” Smith said. “There are half a dozen resale shops or thrift stores within a 5-mile radius. I want to be memorable for how we treat people.”
With 100-200 items put out daily, customers can always find something new on the rack with sizes running from triple zero to 4X. For those who can't make it to the shop, Retail Therapy also offers its items on the business website.
Retail Therapy accepts gently used items such as shoes, hand bags and clothing. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
As a way of supporting the community, Retail Therapy offers 25% off for seniors on Tuesdays and 20% to students and teachers with a valid ID. In addition, Retail Therapy partners with local organizations, including women's shelters, the Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue and Arrow, and participates in back-to-school drives.
Starting Feb. 2, Retail Therapy plans to release its rodeo season attire and begin its spring clothing intake, Smith said.
