Editor’s note: This story was initially published on Feb. 2, 2009.

Starting Monday, ISU students will have an additional outlet for trendy clothing at low prices—the Loft, a new Ames business specializing in consignment of the latest fashions for young adults.

The shop’s full title, The Loft @ Duck Worth Wearing, 408 Kellogg Ave., reflects its entrepreneurial origins.

Owned by Ames residents Amy and Eric Abrams, The Loft will be locateddirectly above their current business, Duck Worth Wearing, which sells children’s and maternity items.

The Abrams purchased Duck Worth Wearing from its founders in 2006, and soon began to see additional opportunity in the market.

“We found there was a huge need for a pre-teen, teen, college and young adult store in Ames,” Amy said.

Much of the interest came from current customers of Duck Worth Wearing.

“A lot of people had been asking for bigger sizes,” said Jenn Slawson, manager of The Loft. “Previous consigners whose kids have outgrown the stuff downstairs.”

Although several stores in Ames currently sell used items, managers at The Loft are differentiating by hand-selecting which items the shop accepts.

“We’re not going to be your Goodwill,” Amy said. “I’m extremely picky about what I take, so you know you’re getting a high-quality item.”

Additionally, the consignment business model allows the store to give owners a larger cut of the sale than

buy-out, where owners are paid up front for the item.

With buy-out, Amy said, “the store is liable [for the item].”

Consignment stores, conversely, have no inventory liability, so The Loft is able to spread the wealth.

The store will pay owners 40 percent of the sale on items less than $30, and 50 percent on items more than $30.

“So if we sell a $20 pair of jeans you get $8 back instead of maybe $2,” Amy said.

If an item does not sell it is donated to charity. But in most cases, that isn’t an issue.

“Downstairs, 95 percent of our inventory does walk out the door,” Amy said.

Although The Loft has just opened, business has already been brisk. The shop has 75 consigners lined up, and a large inventory available for browsing.

“It’s a lot of word of mouth,” Slawson said.

The Loft is currently accepting quality spring items. For more information, visit www.theloftatdww.com.