We met with the Owner of Article Apparels, a Calgary-based fashion spot, Anna Ho. Anna’s storefront specializes in curated women’s consigned clothing in like-new condition at fair prices. But that’s not all – they also offer a unique selection of local vendor items, including jewelry, accessories, self-care goodies, and more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Article Apparels; We offer curated women’s consigned clothing and apparel in like-to-new condition at fair and attainable prices. We offer a unique selection of local new vendor items as well such as jewelry, accessories, self-care items, and much more!
What made you want to do this work?
We live in a world where everything is dominated by fast everything, fast fashion and large corporations. The lack of consciousness of consumer choices has gotten out of control and is growing exponentially. We wanted to help reduce the impact consumers have in their day-to-day choices and switch the mentality of what pre-loved shopping can look like.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
There is a growing shift and interest towards preloved and sustainable fashion. We wanted to continue and contribute by creating a space that reflects a different type of second-hand shopping that a lot of people may default think of. We often have people ask for more sizes because they didn’t know we were consignment but a shop selling new clothing.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
While we welcome everyone regardless of gender, age and orientation, our prime clientele are women aged 20-40.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Consignors bring their items to sell, and we price approximately 40-50% of what it would retail for. If we can’t find that exact item online, we will find something comparable to price to ensure our pricing is fair to both our customers and consignors. Consignors then take 40% of what we sell their items for. They can use their credit towards buying in-store or we pay out via etransfer. Most people tend to spend their credits in-store as we give them an extra discount if they choose to do so.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Calgary, AB; We are minutes South of Chinook Mall between Glenmore Trail and Heritage Drive. We have heard that we are a bit “hidden” so just look for the building with the red squares West of Macleod Trail! We are on the main floor.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What kind of items do you accept for consignment? We are curated consignments, so we are careful and selective with what we choose to sell. We accept based on style, current trends, demand and condition of the item. We tend to stay with mid-range brands but have also seen some higher-end items come in as well. Aritzia, Lululemon, Levis, Anthropologie, Free People are our best sellers.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
We love seeing items come back to life and find a home and purpose for someone else. The worst part is seeing so much ultra and fast fashion coming in for consignment. While we generally tend to stay away from these brands, we have noticed it is coming in heavier and heavier day by day and many still with tags and unworn. This just shows how quickly styles and trends change and things people are buying and discarding to chase the trends.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I think with consignment people can be very comparative of our business with others in the city. Everyone runs their business differently and we always joke that we wish we could accept everything and anything. We are happy for the business but do not condone speaking down other businesses especially local and small businesses as we ourselves are one. We always suggest other businesses that may take things that don’t fit into what we are trying to sell. We tend to try and flip the negative situation into building and supporting each other and most times it works!
Where can we follow you?
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok 😊
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Our Daily Brett Market & Cafe.
