Molly’s Upscale Consignment Boutique               

Molly Whitley, President

 Founded:  2007                                                                                    

After five years as the Food and Beverage Administrator at Casino Aztar, Molly Whitley was ready to try something new. Considering her options, she jokingly suggested opening a consignment shop – a long-time dream – to her husband. Surprisingly (to Molly), he encouraged the venture.  Intrigued, Molly began looking into what it would take to accomplish her dream.  As she pursued it “everything just fell into place.”  Molly’s on Main opened in downtown Evansville in August of 2007, and Molly hasn’t looked back since.

It wasn’t easy starting a business after a lifetime in mid-level management.  Molly had never been in retail before, and claimed with a chuckle that the whole experience was “a learning process.”  She searched for assistance and stumbled upon the SBDC website.  In response to her email, Molly was sent a folder of information to apply to her consignment boutique.  Though she found the advice useful, Molly was determined to implement everything on her own.  “I didn’t realize how many resources there were,” she stated with a wry smile. 

Two years after opening her shop on Main Street, Molly was faced with a new dilemma.  Though she loved her cozy downtown shop, limited space and sparse parking inhibited the growth of Molly’s on Main.  The decision was difficult, but Molly decided to relocate her shop to N. Green River Road, a location that offered nearly double the space and abundant parking.  Over the course of the move, she decided to upgrade her accounting and sales procedures.  Once again Molly turned to the SBDC, this time working with Business Advisor Pete Sabella to set up QuickBooks for the boutique.  Molly praised his efforts, mentioning Sabella’s willingness to spend hours at the shop helping her learn the intricacies of the program.  “I really appreciate everything that the SBDC has done for me,” she said with a grin.  “I wish I had started using their services a long time ago!”

Molly's Upscale Consignment Boutique is truly one-of-a-kind, combining a chic atmosphere with affordable designer and store fashions.  Molly makes certain that all of her products are in excellent condition, cultivating good relationships with her consigners by “catering” to their needs.  The boutique offers clothing in all sizes, including plus, and is developing a new line of men’s clothing.  Her most unique products, however, come from the various artists who display in the shop.  Molly is very supportive of the arts, selling jewelry from six local artists and marketing the work of painters as well. 

For Molly Whitley, the future is bright.  She spoke animatedly about expanding her product lines, offering more art like glass and handmade purses, and even branching out into new clothing.  “I would love to be a buyer” she mused, considering the benefits of buying leftover stock from boutiques.  Molly is also considering having assistants in the boutique and expanding her hours.  As for Molly’s on Main, she isn’t ruling out going back to Main Street.  With the way business has been booming lately, Molly may have to open a second shop.