Business - Business News

POSTED: Wednesday, Jun. 03, 2009

New business owner enjoying retail life in Lynden

Elva Eisel's path to owning a retail store was a little different than usual, but she's happy about how it is turning out.

Last month Eisel took over Wear on Earth, a men's and women's consignment store at 504 Front St. in Lynden. She also purchased The Knitters Nook, which is in the same building, and plans on opening it at the end of July. Both businesses were owned by Phyllis and Jim Scott.

Eisel became a business owner after spending eight years teaching business and computer classes in Whatcom County. She took a year off from teaching to figure out what to do next, and she settled on doing what she had been teaching others. She feels fortunate to have been looking at businesses for sale when she found two that matched areas she's really interested in - consigning and knitting.

"It's like I was taking a longer path to being a business owner, but I'm glad I did it," Eisel said. "Now I'll be able to put that education to good use."

With Wear on Earth, she added men's clothing and expanded the showroom by 500 square feet. She said the clothing needs to be very gently used, and so far it's been a hit - in the first month of business, she's added more than 40 consigners.

"There's definitely a need (for men's clothing) because there wasn't a place to go before," Eisel said.

While the recession usually means an uptick in business for consignment clothing stores, Eisel believes it's something people should be considering no matter what the economy is doing.

"It's the ultimate in recycling," Eisel said. "What I think will help is this store will try to cater to a wide demographic."

As for The Knitters Nook, it'll focus on new and used yarn, and it'll have a crafting area with classes and workshops once it's open.

Wear on Earth will be having a grand opening celebration Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For details, call 318-8657.

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