Used Clothing, I’m always hearing about it. The shoes my friend found at Goodwill or the fantastic deals at Secret Seconds. It’s apparent Missoula loves it, and why shouldn’t they? It’s cheap, practical, and the city has so much of it to offer. Returning to Missoula for my junior year I was lucky to find employment at a resale and consignment boutique downtown with the most gracious of employers, Frances Scott.
To find out a little more about her road to consignment, I asked Frances a few questions about the business.
Me: How long have you lived in Missoula, and what is it that brought you here?
Frances: I lived in Missoula in the 80’s and have wanted to return ever since I left. Missoula is a special place with old friends and family here. In spring of 2010, my position at the University of Oregon was cut. If a change was going to happen then I would make to move back here.
Me: What helped you to decide to begin a resale and consignment business?
Frances: In Oregon, I had always worked part time at a consignment store. I discussed the idea of opening my own store with the person I worked for. She encouraged me to open my own. We had several meetings on how to go about this new venture. She taught me so much: how to look for high quality clothes, how to keep the store looking and feeling fresh and how to provide excellent customer service.
Frances shares her quaint Front Street space with well-known local photographer Steven Begleiter. Begleiter has been jumping back an era or more, rediscovering the art of vintage pin-up photography.
Me: When did you open up Frankie’s?
Frances: After searching for the right location, I found an ad placed by Steven Begleiter, a photographer who was interested in renting the front part of his space on Front St. In mid-May, 2010, Frankie’s Mercantile opened its doors. It has turned out to be a great shared business situation. Steven does Pin-Up Photographs. Frankie’s has started to carry more Vintage clothes for the models to wear for photo shots. Also, Frankie’s has been well received by the Missoula community.
Me: What do you find most exciting about the store?
Frances: My favorite part about the store is the people who come in and providing them a fun shopping experience. Also, Frankie’s consigns artwork. It is exciting to provide an outlet for local artists and handcrafters. I look forward to the possibility of Frankie’s growing and providing more employment.
Jen, who helps out, has been a perfect fit for the store. Her outgoing personality, integrity and style help make Frankie’s what it is.
I hadn’t been aware of the store until I responded to the job post Frances listed on Craigslist. Since that July afternoon, I have countless individuals walking in and out of the store commenting on its delightful set-up, wonderful, and neat, selections of clothing, and the indisputably pleasant presence of its owner. Frankie’s Mercantile not only provides the Missoula public with wonderful used clothing, but it instills a community of artists, shoppers, and residents alike. You’d be silly not to, at least, come in and say hello.
At this time Frankie’s is participating in an Animeals program called ‘Cat About Town.’ Dolly, a lovely, multi-colored kitty, will be keeping Frances and Steven company in hopes of being adopted into a loving family.
Located at 223 W. Front St., next to the Children’s Museum, Frankie’s is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10:30-5:30, and Saturdays 10:30-5:00.