Fashion Store Worked Around Closing Orders Using Instagram
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Detox, Designer Resale Boutique made up for a slump in-store sales suffered after it was temporarily closed for 30 days at the start of the coronavirus pandemic selling its clothes through Instagram Stories.
Husband and wife co-owners Jake Walsh and Kylie Walsh started using Instagram to model their consignment shop's clothes in February. The visuals excited customers who were bored at home during Florida's statewide stay-at-home coronavirus order.
"We have a lot of success with posting things on our Instagram Story," Jake told Patch. "During our closure, we took most inventory home and just modeled it on Instagram, and we also did a few consignments then."
Jake said they maxed out their Instagram Stories every day, which many followers told them it was like watching the Home Shopping Network. Customers appreciated the Walshes providing exact measurements of the clothing items online since they were unable to be physically try pieces on.
"I think people enjoyed shopping from afar, and we would mail stuff customers ordered right from our home," Jake said.
After they opened their doors when the closure lifted, followers continued to enjoy seeing their Instagram Stories.
Business is slower than normal for Detox compared to pre-coronavirus times, but the shop is taking in 300 new items a week. If you have clothing you would like to sell to Detox, they take in clothes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Check out the list of approved brand items on the Detox website.
The consignment shop is following Centers for Disease Control safety guidelines and sanitizing the store, including its fitting area, after each customer leaves.
Detox opened its doors in September 2018 after Kylie was successful reselling secondhand items online for many years.
Designer handbags, sunglasses, earrings, necklaces and shoes are other consignment items available at the boutique.
A lot of its clothing items have a hip, vintage or casual style. It's not a business style and upscale dresses kind of shop; simple yet fashionable, and affordable is the type of inventory offered.
Detox is located at 327 11th Ave N #101, St. Pete. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information about the fashion boutique, visit its website or call 727-201-8590.
This article originally appeared on the St. Pete Patch
