Dina Ruiz / Staff Writer
On July 1, in collaboration with Downtown’s monthly Art Walk, 22-year-old Jennifer Reid opened the doors to Threads, Corpus Christi’s only Teen/Young Adult urban consignment shop, located Downtown.
“My mom had a consignment shop similar to Threads for a few years targeting older women, and between helping her out and being inspired by all the awesome shops in Austin, I decided to do something all my own,” said Reid.
Threads is the latest of retail stores to take the risk of choosing Downtown as their location. Other shops such as Produce and Co-Op have taken part in efforts to revive the city’s once-thriving Downtown area, one of Reid’s main intentions.
“As far as location, I feel I definitely took a risk but I also feel that Downtown has so much potential to be a really cool, urban type of place to come eat hang out, and hopefully soon shop. I really hope more people move or start businesses Downtown.”
Walk into Threads and you are immediately hit with the urban feel similar to Urban Outfitters. The walls are covered with artwork and mannequins are displayed throughout the store with multiple racks of clothing – from evening gowns to board shorts – and accessories and shoes. There is huge potential to walk away with some big brand-name items such as Coach and Sperry, all at very affordable price.
Thrift and vintage shops have become increasingly popular with consumers especially within Threads’ targeted age range. However, Threads offers something extra that makes this shopping spot unique.
In what was formally Big Daddy’s, Threads has inherited a large space complete with a stage and dance floor which Reid said made her change her initial plans for Threads because she could not pass up the opportunity to put her stage and dance floor to use.
“I had to use it. Record Tree Production, Corpus Christi Loves Music (CCLM) and I have been having shows about once a week,” said Reed. Threads’ weekly music shows have featured local bands and bands from around Texas.
Redd explained how Threads works. “You get a percentage of what your stuff sells for. We do a 40 percent cash or 50 percent store credit split. We are the only resale shop that takes only juniors clothes and clothes targeting ages 15-30,” said Reid. She said, people who have clothes in their closet that they no longer use and that are still in good condition can bring the items to Threads and possibly make some money.
Reid said she has no plans to stop with only her Downtown location. “I hope in the next one to two years to open a store on the Southside, as well as have benefit shows to help out the Food Bank and other charities,” said Reid.
The store is located at 423 William St. (around the corner from Executive Surf Club) and hours are Monday through Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. (closed on Sundays). For more information, call 361/8-THREAD, e-mail ccthreads@ymail.com (to book shows) or visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/txthreads for daily updates on merchandise.