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 'The Kloset,' winner of a business plan competition, opened today on Norris Avenue in McCook. [Click to enlarge] |
"Our motto is trendy yet affordable," said co-owner and McCook native Stephanie Dusatko, who founded the Kloset together with her husband, Jeffrey Dusatko, and her sister, Ashley Hagan.
"In this economy, more and more fashion lovers are becoming "recessionistas," that is, fashion-lovers who reject ridiculous price tags and scour the sales, vintage, and gently used clothing racks for amazing style bargains," Stephanie explained.
The Kloset carries both men's and women's clothing and accessories, and offers new boutique styles as well as gently used name brand and designer items. Shoppers will be able to trade in their own gently used brand and designer clothing purchased within the past year, in return for cash or store credit.
"The trading system is a great way to expand your clothing budget, and by shopping with us, McCook fashionistas will get the big-city shopping experience without having to waste money on gas," Stephanie said.
Examples of brands that will be offered by The Kloset are Abercrombie and Fitch, American Apparel, Banana Republic, J. Crew, BCBG, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Seven for all Mankind, Urban Outfitters and Citizens of Humanity.
The Kloset will observe holiday opening hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays; and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information about the store, visit www.the-kloset.com or call (308) 345-4489.
Entrepreneurship is nothing new to the Hagan sisters. Ashley, who currently lives in Omaha, and Stephanie, who lives in Denver, grew up in a family where the sacrifices and rewards of owning a business were evident daily. One of the biggest challenges they faced was selecting the perfect inventory to carry in the store. "We really wanted to make sure we got the best value for our customers and provide a good product at an affordable price, so we were very picky when we went to market," said Stephanie.
They have had "unbelievable support" from family and friends to help them put together the sophisticated storefront on Norris Avenue. A family friend, Shawn Smith, helped them with the interior decorating, choosing a charcoal gray color for the walls with a pop of funky green that nicely compliments the cherry wood flooring and fixtures.
Managing the store will be Chantelle Ele, assisted by Audrey Hagan. Ashley and Stephanie will be managing inventory, which includes men's and women's clothing, jewelry, belts, purses, and other accessories.
The Kloset represents the new generation of exciting business ventures to emerge from the annual Hormel Business Plan Competition, which has previously produced such success stories as Game On Games, the popular gaming store at Westview Plaza in McCook. To learn more about the Hormel Business Plan Competition, visit www.investmccook.com.
The annual Hormel Business Plan Competition is hosted by McCook's Hormel Family Foundation in partnership with Invest Nebraska Corporation (INC), a venture development organization dedicated to supporting Nebraska's entrepreneurs. To learn about INC's statewide business plan competitions, including the upcoming "East 2 West" New Venture Competition in Lincoln on December 11, go to www.investnebraska.com or www.nebusinessplancompetition.com