BUSINESS: Clothes Mentor

With their daughters grown and moved out of the house, Melanie and Mike Harris contemplated what they wanted to do when the curtains opened, and it was time for their life’s second act.

The couple built their family in Texas but dreamed of returning to their Oklahoma roots. When an opportunity arose to open a location for the resale women’s clothing franchise Clothes Mentor, it was clear a homecoming and new business venture were in store for the empty-nesters.

About a year ago, Melanie and Mike set out to find the perfect location, an area that women already frequent. Their location in Edmond, nestled among a Hallmark store, a salon/spa and a Hobby Lobby, couldn’t be more ideal.

Customers describe the store as light, bright and very open. But what they often find the most impressive is the store’s setup. “It’s organized. I hear that word repeatedly every day,” Melanie said. “Everything is organized by sleeve or pant length, sized and colorized.”

This is not a consignment shop; customers can sell their gently used, name-brand clothing and accessories to the store, no appointment required, and walk out with cash immediately. Clothes Mentor accepts clothing and accessories of any season as long as they are less than three years old.

The unparalleled customer service is another factor that keeps people coming back. Employees aim to help in any way possible and make it a point to know customers’ names. When a customer has three items in her hand, an employee asks for her name and keeps the items gathered behind the counter until the customer is ready for a fitting room.

Melanie and Mike enjoy offering an alternative to the high prices of department stores and malls. Clothes Mentor offers business and casual clothing in sizes 0-26, petites and maternity—carrying only what’s in style, making “frugal look fabulous,” as the store’s slogan goes.

“It’s very on trend. It’s very current,” Melanie said. “Women on a budget can still look modern, current and fashionable. You can still find more for your dollar but not sacrifice quality or style.”

For more information, head to Clothes Mentor of Edmond’s website at clothesmentor.com/edmond or stop by their location at 3208 S. Broadway in Edmond.