Marguerite Rose is the new owner of the consignment boutique, Panache on New Park.

By Ronni Newton

Marguerite Rose didn’t come up with the name for the store she now owns, but it’s clear that the name and the store’s mission are perfectly in tune with her lively and spirited personality.

Panache had been open for eight years – originally located next to Hartford Baking Company and for the past three years in the Shops at 485 New Park – when Rose purchased it on Dec. 15, 2015, but she knows that many potential customers are still unaware of the business.

She plans to make sure Panache is on the map, and a destination for anyone – ages teen to 90s – looking to purchase unique, gently-used clothing.

Rose, a West Hartford resident, said that she used to shop at Panache and when the previous owner moved to Florida customers would help out running the business. Rose, who is also a docent at the Wadsworth Atheneum, was the former owner of The Unique Antique in Hartford. She said she had the business background, but didn’t really want to run a store by herself.

“We’re a great team,” she said of her partnership with Sue Turner, a former marketing professional who is also a West Hartford resident and now runs the store along with Rose.

“Our focus will be contemporary and vintage clothing for men and women,” Rose said. She plans to offer clothing as well as bags, shoes, and jewelry that she takes on consignment or purchases at auction. Some items still have their original tags but are offered at a large discount. “We’re tremendous shoppers,” Rose said.

“The ‘green’ aspect is important,” Turner said of giving new life to gently-used items.

Rose purchased the store with its existing inventory, which included a lot of high-end merchandise. She will continue to focus on that market, but not exclusively.

“I am totally into people creating their own style and look. I’m not concerned with it being only about name designers,” said Rose.

“Sue has strength in vintage and we’re not afraid to take good quality vintage,” Rose said.

Turner said that the current inventory includes plenty of evening wear for galas or prom, for both men and women. “We have really unique pieces, better quality than much of what you see in the area.” But there’s also plenty of casual clothing, including jeans.

There’s a wide size range available as well, with women’s sizes up to 18 in gowns and 20 for other pieces. Some petite items are available, too.

“You can always find something to make you look great,” said Rose.

Rose said that Panache also offers jewelry repair, including repair of costume jewelry such as converting clip-on earrings to posts.

One change that Rose plans to make is not holding onto items that aren’t selling. “We don’t want the merchandise to be dated,” she said.

Rose said that if something hasn’t sold in three or four months, she will donate it. Consigners will be given the option to come pick up the items, or she will make a donation on their behalf and mail them a receipt, she said.

Rose is already thinking ahead to the next season, looking for consigners to bring in spring and summer items in bright colors and lighter fabrics. She is also looking for men’s shirts.

“I’d love more handbags – good quality from vintage to designer. And scarves, I love scarves,” said Rose.

The store’s original inventory included some home accessories, and Rose said that she will look to sell off what’s left of those but will discontinue that side of the business while adding some new products.

“I will be consigning some art because I believe it’s bigger than life,” Rose said.

Rose is already excited to be part of the 485 New Park community. “This is a great building, very eclectic. The tenants help promote each other,” she said.

Panache is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. or by appointment. Rose said she wants people to know that she means the “by appointment” part, and also plans to host some evening activities for clubs and organizations. She will also pick up consigned items from people’s homes if needed.

Rose’s colorful, glamorous, and energetic personality comes through in everything she does. An avid runner, Rose has completed 61 marathons.

“I always carry a lipstick in my sock while running,” she said. She likes to look good at the finish line, and lipstick is an essential, she said.

For more information, visit the Panache on New Park Facebook page.

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