Willow Glen Resident

Business

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, especially in a consignment shop

By Mayra Flores De Marcotte

The name of the store clearly states owner Cindy Sanders' purpose--It's a girl thing.

The business is a new consignment boutique that specializes in jewelry, handbags and shoes. Prices can range from $3 earrings to a ruby and rose cut diamond bracelet for $7,200.

"I'm a big consignment shopper," Sanders says. "You never know what you're gonna find. It's not like walking into Nordstroms. Every item has its own story. You get to talk to the people and listen to them tell their stories."

Sanders carries an eclectic mix of jewelry, from fine to costume and everything in between. She has semiprecious stones alongside sterling and gold at the front counter. Jewelry is displayed throughout the store on antique furniture, such as tabletops and armoires.

"I love Our Secret in downtown Willow Glen," she says. "I think they do a good job with their products. I wanted my store to be more of a boutique."

The business, located in the Willow Plaza at the corner of Willow Street and Bird Avenue, opened in June.

"I wanted to move into downtown Willow Glen but when I was looking, there was nothing available," Sanders says. "It's hard because you can't see us from the street, but people will find it by word of mouth. It's how most consignment stores begin."

The word is spreading. Sanders turned a profit her first month.

"One woman came in for the grand opening and took a stack of my fliers," she says. "She gave them out at her open houses."

About 90 percent of the store's merchandise is on consignment, most from women in the local community.

"Women always buy things they love once and then either end up donating them or trying to sell them on eBay," she says. "This is a way to recoup some of that money."

Sanders says that unlike most consignment shops, she gives 60 percent of the price to consignors, high in comparison to the going rate of 40 percent to 50 percent. Currently, she has 26 consignors.

She says she rarely turns pieces down because her clients' taste varies so much.

Sanders, originally from Hawaii, moved to California 20 years ago for a career in high tech.

"I worked for a lot of start-up companies doing sales," she says, "but I always wanted to have this type of business. I've paid my dues in the high-tech industry."

Now, she has a one-mile commute from her Willow Glen home and looks forward to talking with her customers.

"I've met some really interesting ladies since I opened," she says.

Those connections have lead to promoting other women's businesses. She has created a binder where women can bring in information, fliers and business cards so that her customers can have a resource bank as well as a shopping experience.

As for the jewelry, Sanders says, "Every piece of jewelry has an owner out there. It's just waiting to be claimed."

It's a girl thing is located at 860 Willow St., suite 400. For more information, call 408.287.7288 or visit www.itsagirlsthing inc.com.