Local shoppers have a new location to shop for used clothes in Albert Lea, but the owners of Candy & Jewels Consignment Boutique said it’s not your average consignment shop.

Candace Pesch and Julie Goodmanson opened the store about two months ago. Around the end of May, the two decided to rent the old location of Pieper’s Western Store at 123 E Clark St. Candy & Jewels is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

“We’re definitely a lot more picky about what we take,” Pesch said. “We’re very selective about what we take, which can be a plus and a minus. Some people get frustrated, but most people really appreciate it. They come in and they shop and they’re just amazed that they’re getting something this nice.”

Goodmanson said some people ask if the clothes are new or used because the store doesn’t have the smell often associated with used clothing stores.

Part of the reason for that is because the two washed all the clothing before it goes on display. They also iron some clothes.

“One comment we’ve gotten from people is we don’t have that consignment-store smell. And I think that’s why we don’t, because everything is cleaned before it’s put out on the floor,” Pesch said.

The two thought about going to the mall, but the long hours of operation there didn’t work well because the two both have children, she said. Shortly after they started renovating the building, Pesch found out she was pregnant with her third child. That would have been particularly difficult with the mall hours because Pesch’s husband, David, is in the military and will soon go overseas to Afghanistan.

The two said the former Pieper’s location stuck out to them because of the Clark Street traffic, and because of the large windows and natural light. At the same time, the building needed some renovations, and the two started renovating the building over the summer, putting in new carpet and flooring and painting much of the interior.

Dressing rooms were added in the store. The two painted the area around the front counter that was designed to look like the roof of a building. They painted these roofing boards pink and black to fit the look of the store. They wanted it to look hip, they said.

“But the black and pink, it’s really chic and it’s fresh and it’s new, and people really are responding to it. They walk in and we get that comment all the time: It’s so clean in here, we love that it smells great, it’s so cute,” Pesch said.

Goodmanson’s husband, Phil, helped a lot during the renovation, and Pesch said she’s seen him smile when he walks in and sees the finished product of the store.

Don’t let the pink and black color scheme fool you, the store carries clothes for men, women and children. They have an infant and toddler section, as well as sections for boys and girls.

“We’re trying to cover everybody, so anyone and everyone can walk into this store and find something they want to buy,” Pesch said. 

While some consignment shops mark down retail if it doesn’t sell in 30 days, Candy & Jewels will only have sales twice a year, Goodmanson said.

“We try to set our prices low enough that it’s always a good deal,” Pesch added.

Clothing is not the only thing sold at the store, as they also sell jewelry, mittens and soy candles all made by different local crafters. They also sell jewelry, purses, belts and shoes, Goodmanson said.

The store and the owner of the clothing each get 50 percent of the profit. Profits or clothing that sellers don’t pick up could be donated to lupus or epilepsy foundations, Goodmanson said.

“We are also trying to work with local schools and organizations in town that are in need of clothes for families,” Goodmanson said.

Goodmanson and Pesch said they’re excited about the store and hearing the positive comments from customers.

“It’s kind of been a whirlwind. Since we thought of the idea, we’ve been going just a 100 mph, and we haven’t had time to really sit down. You sit here sometimes and it’s like I can’t believe it’s really here,” Pesch said.