Monroe Business Spotlight: Pemberley Designer Consignments

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Pemberley Designer Consignments
Owner: Leslie Troy
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PemberleyDesignerConsignments
Address: 605 Main Street Monroe, CT 06468

How did you come up with the name? Pemberley is the fictional country estate that belonged to Fitzwilliam Darcy in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The estate embodied beauty, charm and fashion and that is exactly what I want the store to evoke.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town? I looked at a number of locations before settling in on Main Street in Monroe. It was the easy access, location near a traffic light and the fact there is very little retail available for women in the area that won me over.

Briefly, what business are you in? I am in the business of making beautiful items affordable. Pemberley is an upscale consignment boutique for women and juniors.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

The most difficult part of being a business owner is the sacrifice in time spent with my family. They have all been wonderfully supportive and have taken an active role in the business. The dream of owning my own business would not have been possible without their love and encouragement.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur? No, I had spent more than 6 months researching the business and when all the pieces were in place nothing held me back from starting.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

The reaction that I get from people when they walk in the door is very gratifying. We take consignment to a whole new level with our boutique like setting - you’ll never know your in a consignment store. We take great pride in treating all items with special care... presenting them beautifully, not just shoving them into overstuffed racks. All items are researched and authenticated to not only give our consignors the best price, but offer great deals on designer items to our shoppers.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice? My only ‘employee’ is my 14 year old daughter, Colby. She has been a part of the store from the very beginning. Together we visited over 70 consignment stores throughout the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions. We made note of innovative practices, met amazing mentors and took away both ideas to incorporate and avoid. Colby has an amazing eye for detail and has a fresh approach that has been invaluable – It has been a joy to share this experience with her.

How do you deal with difficult customers? I have been fortunate not to have a situation with an unhappy customer. I have worked as an educator for over 15 years and consider myself a very patient and understanding person. If you treat people with respect you should be granted that courtesy in return.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

I have a wonderful program called ‘Girls Night Out’ You can book the store for an evening of private shopping to raise money for the charity of your choice. You enjoy an evening of fashion, food, fun and friends and earn a percentage of the evenings sales for your charity. I have events booked to benefit needy families in the area, church groups, Girl Scout Troops and Brides to Be!

Store Hours:

Tues. - Friday: 10:00 – 6:00

Saturday: 10:00 – 5:00

Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00

Closed on Mondays

*No Appt necessary to consign on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

We are currently accepting Fall and Winter clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories.

We also take evening wear: Formal, Semi-formals, Mother-of-the Bride & Prom

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

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