Garland Resale Boutique has moved just a few doors down from where it first opened in the summer of 2019.

The boutique, featuring a curated collection of secondhand women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and other items, has moved to a 1,800-square-foot shop at 1 S. Howard inside the historic Symons Block Building. The new location more than doubles its previous 800-square-foot space, located a few doors south at 11 S. Howard.

Occupying retail space on the corner of Howard Street and Sprague Avenue, Garland Resale Boutique features brands such as Anthropologie, Free People, and Eileen Fisher, with an emphasis on natural fibers and quality construction. The store has also expanded beyond clothing to include beauty and lifestyle products, perfume oils, handmade jewelry, and nail polish, says the shop's owner and sole employee, Ashley Brownlee. 

Brownlee, 37, says she is focused on partnering with women-owned businesses, sourcing ethically made goods, and ingredient-conscious brands. Starting April 21, the store began selling house plants through a partnership with another business, she says. 

Garland Resale Boutique is both a secondhand store and a consignment shop, Brownlee says. Before opening her own shop, Brownlee sold clothing items online and amassed a large inventory. She also sources items from estate sales, bulk purchases, and partnerships with vintage stores. Consignment consultations are by appointment only, with selected items receiving a 40% cash-out when sold. Or vendors can opt for a 50% store-credit option, she says. 

"If it's really good, I'm not going to say no," Brownlee says of her inventory mindset.

Brownlee declines to disclose exact revenue figures but says there’s been an increase in sales recently. She estimates that between 50% and 60% of foot traffic to the store is out-of-town visitors. Brownlee partners with Visit Spokane and the Downtown Spokane Partnership to increase the store's visibility to tourists. The boutique’s new corner location, with its large decorated windows and natural light, also enhances its visibility. 

“There are so many conferences, big events, and Broadway shows,” Brownlee says. “I know that locals don’t like coming downtown, but other people definitely do.”

Brownlee notes that she’s seen many businesses operate at the retail location over the years. 1 S. Howard has previously been occupied by a nail salon, a mini-mart, an aesthetic salon, and an event space while sitting vacant in between tenants. Last August, Browlee held a pop-up event in the space with two other businesses and connected with the building’s owner, Alyssa Agee. At the time, the space had one entrance accessible from Sprague Avenue.

“She was like, 'What can we do to get you over there?'" recalls Brownlee. "I’m like, move the door to Howard, and they did."