Déjá Vu Rack Helps Shoppers Look Good For Less

Kim Cochrane doesn’t know quite what to expect when she walks into work every day.

But the owner of the upscale Lemont consignment boutique likes that.

“It’s exciting for me,” she said. “I never know what’s coming in. I like to say, ‘We’re a new store every day.’”

In November, Cochrane celebrated the shop’s one year anniversary in Lemont. The boutique is located at 1243 State St.

Her clientele ranges in age from junior high students to senior citizens. Déjá Vu Rack carries pre-owned and new merchandise in sizes from 0 to 26.

“We have something for every woman,” Cochrane said.

With nearly 500 consignors, she receives about 300 items a week, from formal, business and casual wear to shoes and purses. She also carries pieces from about eight local artists, including jewelry, scarves, handpainted capes and purses.

Cochrane especially enjoys seeing the younger generations come in and peruse the merchandise.

“It’s refreshing to see the younger girls being so thrifty,” she said.

Cochrane carries many brands that cater to them, such as Abercrombie, Hollister and Victoria's Secret Pink.

“They know what the prices are in those stores and when they come here they see the prices are 60-to 70-percent off and they’re like, ‘Why would we go spend $75 for a pair of jeans when we can get them here for $20?’” she said.

She enjoys helping women look good for less.

“With times the way they are people are really watching their money,” she said.

Cochrane hosts a ladies night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month.

“We have beverages and appetizers and we always have a guest speaker,” she said.

The evening also includes special discounts.

She offers those who consign with her a deal also. If the consignors use the credit from what they’ve sold at Déjá Vu Rack to purchase items from the boutique, Cochrane offers them an additional 10 percent off their purchase.

“So that’s a way for them to get a little bit of a discount on top of the great deals,” she said.

The season has ushered in some new clients for Cochrane, including those looking for ugly sweaters.

“Last year I didn’t carry them because it wasn’t the look I was looking for since we’re more upscale,” she said. “But one of the other consignment stores called me because she was sold out and was going to refer clients to me. She said, ‘You’ve got to take them. They’re huge sellers.’”

Cochrane decided to start taking in the sweaters and they continue to fly off her shelves.

“With so many holiday parties they really are a good seller,” she said.

Right now, Cochrane has several fur coats available.

“They’re just beautiful,” she said. “I’ve sold a few so far this season but not as many as I’d like because the weather’s been so nice.

She enjoys running the boutique.

“I get a new customer almost daily,” she said. “And I’ve heard from so many that they never shopped consignment before. I like to say that ‘Frugal never looked so fabulous.’”

For more information about Déjá Vu Rack, visit the website, or find the boutique on Facebook.