MeMe’s – not your average thrift shop

Upscale, resale, consignment, and great prices. That’s the description of MeMe’s Upscale Consignment Boutique at 11447 2nd St. in Roscoe, just north of the VFW Post 2955.

The original owner, Sandi Taylor, opened the consignment shop in 2003. After nearly 20 years in business, she decided to retire. She sold the business to Karalyn Peterson in 2021.

Peterson wasn’t looking to make any major changes to the boutique. Business was very good. So good, that she soon learned that she needed to expand. A few months ago, the neighboring building became available. She jumped at the chance to grow her business.

After some renovations, Peterson almost doubled her space and soon had it filled with formal wear, jewelry, shoes, purses and more women’s clothing. To celebrate their new space, they held a grand opening on June 10, 2023.

Consignors wanting to sell their upscale merchandise can book an intake appointment. “They receive 40% of whatever the items sell for,” Peterson said. “Right now, the wait to get appointments is 3-4 weeks.”

Peterson collaborates with Remedies Renewing Lives, a not-for-profit outpatient service that treats substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health issues in Winnebago and Boone counties. Twice every year, items are half off at MeMe’s. On those days, shoppers can specify if they want to donate to Remedies.

“One of our goals is to expand online resale shopping. Right now, about 25 % of our sales is online. In-store pick up is also available as well as private shopping.”

Peterson said there are many new items coming in all the time. “We keep everything pristine.”

MeMe’s carries a large assortment of jewelry and dozens of formal wear items in every size (zero to four X) and color. “Probably our top selling items are designer purses. We have a lot to choose from.”

Peterson is an entrepreneur, owning three additional businesses in the area, including property investing, purchasing, flipping and renting homes. Being the mother of nine children, 10 years old and up, keeps her busy. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs and now lives in Roscoe.

MeMe’s is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed on Sunday.

Call 815-623-7313 or visit https://www.memesupscaleconsignmentboutique.com/

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