NEW PALESTINE — Visitors to the new Mercy Lane Fashion Consignments shop in New Palestine will notice the changes as soon as they pull into the parking lot.
The former Between Friends used clothing store has a new owner, a new outlook, new decor and new purpose behind the business.
With a new sign, a clean scent, fresh paint and an interior redesign featuring new products, Mercy Lane Fashion Consignments, 5151 W. Main St., New Palestine, looks more like a fashion boutique than a hometown consignment shop.
Owner Kristy Willhelm bought the business a few months ago, changed the name and has been working ever since turning the shop into the retail store she’s always wanted to run. To celebrate her dream business, there’s a grand opening scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 20.
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Willhelm, who’d been a stay at home mom of three for years, works at the shop five days per week with her best friend, Stephanie Digney, and their daughters, who attend New Palestine High School.
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Willhelm and Digney are New Palestine High School Class of 1987 graduates and active members of the community.
Willhelm, who was looking for a work opportunity with her children grown, thought it would be a good idea to open a business in town, one that would provide a service and give back.
“We’re having a blast and have done well being able to grow the business,” Willhelm said.
In addition to selling clothes at a consignment shop pricing level, Willhelm supports several community endeavors, including donating the funds from certain sale items to charity. She also allows other local vendors to sell their jewelry, women’s accessories and merchandise at Mercy Lane.
Willhelm named the boutique style shop to reflect her Christian faith, noting how everyone needs a little mercy in their lives now and then.
The shop acquires 90 percent of the items sold at the store from consignment dealers.
Willhelm also gives people who wish to return items the chance to donate it to a charitable group.
“That way we can get the items that don’t sell or are returned to a group in need,” Willhelm said.
The shop carries women’s and teens’ clothing, along with children’s wear 2-T through teen boys.
It also has a gift center and provides free gift wrapping.
The shop has offerings for teens in high school and college who want to wear up-to-date, stylish clothing but don’t want to spend a lot of money on it, Willhelm said.
Many of her customers are also women from families who are looking to save money and receive a quality product.
The shop was recently recognized by the Indy A List, as one of the top consignment shops in the Indianapolis area for 2016 as voted on by consumers.
Welhelm said she considers that a great accomplishment.
