TVCC BizCenter ENews
December 2011
Spotlight on Success
Care-O-Sell
A trip to a children’s used clothing store in Boise in
2000 led to a successful business venture for Chris
Kodama. After leaving the store, Kodama and her
husband thought that a similar style store would work in
the local area. Armed with a business idea, Kodama
decided it was time for a career change and a dip into the
entrepreneurial pool. In 2000, she opened Care-O-Sell
in Ontario, OR.
Care-O-Sell is an upscale resale store. During its first
years, the store specialized in infant’s and children’s clothing and items. In June of last year, the offerings extended
into women’s wear and accessories (including items such as
purses and shoes).
Left to right: Luz Gordillo, manager, Chris
Kodama, owner, and Katy Simmons. Employees
not pictured: Kimi Seals and Janine Little Nation.
While you can still find children’s clothing, the ladies’
inventory, from Junior sizes and styles all the way to
Women and Plus sizes, now fills the majority of the retail
space. The store works mostly through a consignment
basis. Infant and children sizes 8 and under are purchased
outright for resale, while all other items are taken in on a
consignment basis. Pricing is controlled by Care-O-Sell
(although consignors might offer some suggestions and
insight). Items must be of good quality and only “gently
used,” with no rips, tears, or stains; some items that come
in haven’t even been worn at all! Additionally, a few local
craftsmen also have some hand-crafted items there for sale.
Kodama invested in some specialized inventory
software tailored for consignment stores. This helps
Care-O-Sell keep track of inventory and aging and allows
quick calculation of consignors’ sales and commissions.
After three months on the selling floor, items that haven’t
moved are either donated or given back to the consignors.
Follow Care-O-Sell on Facebook
to learn about new inventory and
events.
Kodama wants the public to think of Care-O-Sell
as a shopping destination. Items are clean and upscale,
steamed and hung, and sorted into size groups. The goal
is to have merchandise with the look and feel of “new”
without the “new” price. Kodama, along with her four
employees, provides an upbeat, pleasant, customer-serviceoriented atmosphere to enhance the experience.
When starting out the business, Kodama turned to
the TVCC BizCenter for assistance. They provided help
on a business plan and the start-up steps, even helping
Kodama scout out and find a location. Through the
years, the BizCenter has been available to Care-O-Sell
for counseling and has served as a sounding board. The
BizCenter advisors make periodic follow-up contacts, and
they have even sat in on hiring interviews to provide a third
-party perspective. Kodama says of the BizCenter, “Their
services are fabulous! They have been there through thick
and thin. When the change from a children’s focus to
adding a ladies’ line came about last year, the BizCenter
was there for help and support through the transition.”
Kodama credits part of her success to her staff. They
know 60-70% of the customers on a first-name basis and
strive to build relationships and provide excellent customer
service. Kodama speaks highly of her employees —
dedicated, honest, and good — and the employees have
mutual respect for her.
Kodama is a big supporter of local businesses.
Additionally, she follows the philosophy of “pay it forward”
and has mentored other small businesses and entrepreneurs. “People should help people,” Kodama simply
states. In 2005, Kodama was recognized by the U.S.
Small Business Administration as the “Oregon Women in
Business Advocate of the Year” for leadership and support
of women-owned businesses.
In thinking about the future, Kodama says she wants
“Care-O-Sell to be a highly successful Ontario business
that supports its employees,” and “to some day be able to
pass it on.” And for a retirement project. . . how about
rebuilding a classic old car?
Care-O-Sell
156 S. Oregon St.
Ontario, Oregon
(541) 881-1178
www.careosell.net