TRAVERSE CITY -- Rick and Sharon Carmean learned early on that it takes a strong stomach to run their own business.
"On our first day, we raked in a whopping $6.32 total," recalled Rick. "That was a very long night. Day two went a little better and soon we were on our way."
The Carmeans operate Top Drawer Resale, a Traverse City business that offers furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing and more at clearance prices. One part of the business, Top Drawer Consignment Furniture, consigns or pays cash outright for high-end quality furniture from several manufacturers including Ethan Allen, Broyhill and Thomasville. Top Drawer Clearance Center offers furniture, appliances and electronics. They also provide new carpeting at clearance prices. Top Drawer Resale Clothing features fashions for women, men and children.
"We carry high quality clothing from top names," said Rick. "We also carry designer clothing for juniors from the best names you'll find at the mall, all for a fraction of regular retail prices."
The Carmeans' customers come from all backgrounds. "From consigners who bring in the best brand names, to customers who love to check out our $1 clothing rack," said Rick. "Not only people who need to save on furniture, appliances and clothing, but also those who just like to shop for a great bargain."
Top Drawer Resale Clothier was launched in 2001. "Opening soon after 9/11 was not an easy thing to do," said Rick. "There was a great deal of uncertainty in the economy at that time. We are fortunate to have family members with successful consignment stores. They were able to provide some general guidelines for the store."
The Carmeans both had careers going at the time. Sharon was in real estate and began to run Top Drawer full time. Rick was general manager of the Cottage Cafe restaurant.
"Eight days after we signed the lease, Top Drawer Resale Clothier opened," said Rick. "During those eight days, it seemed like everyone we knew pitched in to help. One of the first decisions we had to make was whether to keep the famous red carpet from Eastfield Fashions. We realized that giving customers a red carpet treatment would be the foundation of our business."
In August 2007, Top Drawer Consignment Furniture opened directly across Eighth Street from Top Drawer Resale Clothing. After a successful year and a half, they opened Top Drawer Clearance Center, in the same shopping center, across from Top Drawer Clothing.
About Top Drawer Resale
Address: 1115 East Eighth St. Traverse City
Phone: (231) 922-9762
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9:30 to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Employees: 10
Years in business: 7
In Business is a weekly feature on northern Michigan businesses. Next week: Northern Seasons.
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