‘A WHOLE FAMILY AFFAIR’

AFFAIR' ‘A WHOLE FAMILY

Visiting a consignment shop can be like stepping into the Cave of Wonders from “Aladdin.” You could spend hours perusing an endless cache of clothing and enhancing your wardrobe with hidden gems for an affordable price. Since opening its doors at the beginning of December, at the intersection of Main Street and Route 31, Double Take Consignment has encouraged the entire family to find something to love.

“I went to school on the north shore of Chicago, and I loved shopping the resale stores up there in Highland Park and Lake Forest,” says owner Tammi Rojek. “When my daughter was born, I would go to Once Upon A Child and shop there for her.” Rojek was inspired to open her own shop, thinking she would start with the store she already knew and loved. Instead, Rojek opened an independent business but ultimately closed it after three years to focus more on her young children. Then she once again made her foray into resale ownership. “A store in Crystal Lake announced that she was closing, so I ended up buying her out,” says Rojek. “We wanted it to be inclusive of the whole family, not just kids but women’s and men’s as well.” To Rojek, family is everything, a belief she carries into her business model — at both her Crystal Lake and new St. Charles locations. At Double Take, every part of the family is represented as much as possible. “When I see a family come in, over the years that I’ve been doing this, I feel like there’s a look of disappointment sometimes, especially in the men’s faces when we haven’t had (menswear) in the past,” says Rojek. “Now when I tell them we have a men’s section, their eyes light up.” Rojek also understands the value of entertaining children so adults can enjoy their shopping experience. She says the kids can look at toys and books while the parents shop. “It’s a whole family affair and if we can have something for everyone, I know there’s a better chance the whole family will want to come.”

LE FAMILY

Secondhand treasures for every age group are available at newly opened Double Take Consignment in St. Charles

BY KELLEY WHITE | PHOTOS BY TAMMI ROJEK AND STAFF

To Rojek, consignment resale gives customers and consigners alike an opportunity to be sustainable while creating lasting relationships between a local business and the community. “I love when people come in and tell me their stories,” says Rojek. Consigners serve a vital role in Double Take, providing inventory and adding to the boutique atmosphere of the shop. “We use our baseline for women’s clothing as White House Black Market on up,” says Rojek. “We have 5,400 square feet and we want to fill it with things that are unique, so we try to find items like Anthropologie, Free People and some of the brands that are a little different than some of the regular brands, even though we also carry regular brands for the people who would like them. You never know what you’ll find.” Rojek welcomes you to find your next treasure at Double Take Consignment and make lasting friendships with her staff: “I like a small-town feel where the customer can come in and say hi whenever, knowing they can walk in the door and see a friendly face,” she says. “We’re here for them. We’re here for community.”

 DOUBLE TAKE CONSIGNMENT –

ST. CHARLES LOCATION

122 W. Main St., St. Charles 630-549-6284 Facebook: Double Take Consignment St. Charles