Jane Willson, founder and proprietress of JANE Consignment at 2249 Clement St., is ringing in 15 years in business with festivities and a big sale starting today and running through Saturday, June 11th. We took a moment to chat with Jane about the business, and what's in store for the celebration.
Willson founded JANE in 2001; after a childhood in Kansas, stints in show business in Los Angeles, a run as a singer for Princess Cruises, and a corporate career, she eventually made her home in San Francisco.
JANE, a primarily women's-focused clothing and accessory consignment store, was born of Willson's love of vintage clothes.
And despite changes to the neighborhood and modifications to the business—Willson says she's lost some customers to rising rents, but met new ones moving in—the mainstay of JANE continues to be designer clothes and accessories across decades and prices.
Willson says that most of her consignments come in on their own; yesterday afternoon she was pricing a buffalo leather bag one regular brought in with a bundle of other bags. She said the customer originally paid $1,000 for it.
Despite offering an impressive array of designer labels (Chanel, Dior, Ferragamo, you name it), Willson says she prides herself on her offerings running the gamut from high to low. "I like to have something for everyone," she said.
Despite recent and pending changes to the area, like the 12-unit condo slated for approval in the parking lot across the street from the shop, Jane said the 'hood continues to be what she loves: a dense, diverse offering of different cultures and people. "I always say our restaurant selection is like the United Nations," she said. "We have everything."
What do Willson's anniversary festivities include?
One wall of merchandise is going to be marked 50 to 70 percent off starting today (June 9th), with 20 to 50 percent off purses and shoes (note the Ferragamos); every customer will also have a chance to spin a wheel to win a prize. This Saturday, June 11th will feature also champagne and cookies, Willson said, so stop in to say hello and browse the racks. The sale will continue through Saturday, June 18.
"I really feel privileged to have stayed in business for 15 years in this location," she says. "I've met so many wonderful people from diverse backgrounds and philosophies, and I get to enjoy beautiful treasures and unique items that come in the door as well."
JANE Consignment is open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 7pm, at 2249 Clement St.
