Ellendale business is taking a new direction
Published 9:21 am Thursday, August 20, 2015
Allison Muilenburg owns and operates Cloe’s Attic out of Floors 4U in Ellendale and can often be found helping customers in both stores. – Kelly Wassenberg/Albert Lea Tribune
ELLENDALE — Allison Muilenburg has recently changed the name of her consignment store from Cloe’s Corner to Cloe’s Attic to reflect the new direction her business is taking.
When Muilenburg opened her store five years ago she focused mainly on clothing; however, her love of refurbished furniture convinced her to transition away from cotton and denim and move more towards hardwoods and antiques.
According to Muilenburg, Cloe’s Attic is a better representation of what customers will now find when they come in her store, which is why she elected to change the store’s name last month. She also takes requests from customers who ask her to make them custom upcycled products such as benches made from old cribs.
“Some things we make from scratch and other stuff is ‘reloved.’ That’s what we call it,” she explained.
In addition to her own merchandise, Muilenburg provides three other local vendors with a space to showcase their products.
“They each have their unique niche that they bring into the business,” she said.
Cloe’s Attic carries just about everything a person would expect to find in an attic including antiques, decorations, furniture and numerous miscellaneous items, which is why the store owner said there is something for everyone in her store. – Kelly Wassenberg/Albert Lea Tribune
Muilenburg said customers will find something new every time they come in. Stock that is not sold is switched out a couple times a month. They carry many one-of-a-kind items and will even be welcoming a few more vendors by the end of the month.
A grand opening in planned for the beginning of October to invite area residents to come in and see everything the store has to offer.
Muilenburg said she appreciates everyone who visits the store because even if they don’t choose to take anything home, they may tell someone else about the store and that could get another customer in the door.
The grand opening is slated from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 2 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 3. Muilenburg expects to have specials, a drawing for door prizes and treats. Her store is inside Floors 4U at 301 Fifth Ave. W. in Ellendale. This business is owned by her parents who will help staff Cloe’s Attic.
Both stores are regularly open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
