7/24/18
Interview with Karen Alderman, Owner
Karen’s Kloset is a women’s consignment store located close to the Five Corners. Karen opened her store in May 2012 and is the owner and sole employee. In 2016, Karen expanded her store, almost doubling in size. The main reason for this expansion was to accommodate a wider variety of sizes and types of clothing. Karen’s Kloset carries sizes 00-5X, as well as maternity and scrubs. Her Facebook page is full of reviews from women thrilled to finally have found a store that sells their size and makes shopping fun for them.
According to a recent Facebook review: “This store is amazing! LOTS of clothes, bathing suits, shoes, purses, and accessories. She has a wide variety of sizes! I almost cried when I saw how many options were in my size! Everything is organized by size and then by color. It is very easy to find things you're looking for. She is so welcoming, cheerful, and helpful Her prices are so reasonable, too! I might never shop anywhere else for my clothing.”
In addition to having a pretty impressive consignment store, Karen is also the owner of a local landmark: the mannequin outside her store. Anna, as she is affectionately called, gets a new outfit every day depending on the weather. She mentioned that women sometimes turn their cars around to stop at the store when they see Anna’s snazzy new outfit. In fact, while I was interviewing Karen, a woman came in and asked permission to take a picture of Anna (clad in a bathing suit) to send to a co-worker.
Karen’s Kloset is located at 34 Park St. in Essex Junction. There is lots of information about new items and even contests on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/karensklosetvt/.
Why Essex? “There is enough free parking available, and it is easy to get here from anywhere.” -Karen Alderman
Photo credits: Darby Mayville
Why Essex? is a weekly(ish) column highlighting the people and places that make Essex an interesting and special place. Have an idea for the column? E-mail Darby Mayville at darby@essexjunction.org.