New Upscale Resale Shop Opening in Glencoe

A new upscale resale shop, the North Shore Exchange (NSE), is set to open in downtown Glencoe on March 5, in the former location of the Glen Cote Thrift Shop. The building is owned by the Glencoe Women’s Library Club. All of the NSE’s profits will go to charities and non-profits, with one-third staying in the community and the other two-thirds going to programs that serve needy children and families in the Chicagoland area.

“The [Glen Cote] thrift shop had really gone downhill in the last six to 10 years,” said Wendy Serrino, president of the North Shore Exchange board. “The Women’s Library Club didn’t know what to do with it.”

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A member of the library board got the idea to start an upscale resale shop in its location and create a store where residents would actually want to shop. The idea was presented to the Women’s Library Club, which approved it. The club also agreed to rent the building to the shop for the cost of the renovations, and provided start-up funds. The location is currently being renovated to reflect the more elegant nature of the new store.

“It’s a project that really belongs to all of Glencoe,” Serrino explained. “Whether its through volunteers, donations or consignments.”

NSE has already witnessed an outpouring of donations and volunteers — including local architect Scott Javore of Javore Architects donating his architectural design services, Pam Maher Design Services donating free interior design services, donated flooring, bathroom fixtures and mirrors.

Serrino noted that the store already has a wide variety of items to sell that have been donated, including pieces from designers like Prada, Chanel, St. John’s, Balenciaga and Tahari. The store will sell newer items at one-third the retail price, while older items will sell for less.

NSE is accepting both donations and consignments, and are especially looking for high-end clothing, jeans, purses and jewelry. More information for guidelines and how to donate, visit their website here.