By Elizabebeth Kneisley
Staff Writer
Karma is what goes around and comes back around. That is the concept of a new resale store, Karma Clothing, that has recently opened in Hermosa Beach. Something unique about this store is that a percentage of its sales go back to community charities.
This store is owned by Donnelle Weaver and Keri Castronuovo, two local “stay-at-home-moms.” They buy gently used high-end brands of clothing and re-sell it at affordable prices.
“This has always been a dream for my stepmom, Donnelle, and I am extremely glad to see herdreams come true,” senior Alec Weaver said. “I have the utmost respect and confidence that she and her business partner will succeed and exceed above and beyond anyone’s expectations.”
The idea for Karma Clothing was formulated last August when the two partners were on a long drive to drop their daughters off at a summer camp. Castronuovo pointed out a great resale clothing store on the way. This opened a conversation and the realization that the two shared a common interest in opening such a store for themselves.
“We were frustrated at paying high retail prices for clothes that will be outgrown or no lonSaveger interesting in just a matter of months, and we knew that other mothers must feel that way too,” Donnelle Weaver said.
Three months later, the store opened last November. Karma Clothing gets its merchandise clothes from donations as well as by buying gently used top-name brand clothes. They carry junior sizes 8 to 14 and women’s sizes 0 to 14.
“We knew that there was a need for a high-end resale clothing store in this area that specialized in young, hip clothing, and we knew we wanted it to have more of a boutique feel,” Donnelle Weaver said. “Providing top name brands at very afford-able prices and, of course, the environment-conscience side of us was thrilled by the concept of reusing merchandise that still has value.”
A portion of the proceeds goes back into community charities; the karma connection. Karma Clothing helps supports education foundations in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance. They also donate to Heal the Bay, SPCALA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, 1736 Family Crisis Center, Richstone Family Center and The Friendship Circle. Custumers can choose which charity they’d like to donate to with their purchases.
“Keri and I have similar values and wouldn’t open a business without considering what value we could bring to the community,” Donnelle Weaver said. “Therefore, we chose the organizations we currently support by considering our local community. A world where karma counts, we believe you can’t be truly successful unless you give back.”
When consumers buy clothing they can get “Karma Credit.” This can be used toward their next purch ase. It is not cash; every dollar of Karma Credit is equivalent toward a dollar off on merchandise in the store.
“Our consumers are our best advocates and marketers,” Castronuovo said. “In line with our mission, we believe that if you “like us” on our Facebook page, KarmaClothingHB, or refer us to a friend, you deserve some credit. We offer Karma Credit toward the value of any merchandise in the store.”
A short walk from Mira Costa, Karma Clothing is located at 972 Artesia Blvd. in Hermosa Beach. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We want moms and teens everywhere to know that by shopping at Karma Clothing, they will be supporting their community. If it’s cool to recycle paper, plastic and glass, why can’t it be cool to recycle clothing?” Weaver said. “We want to erase the stigma that goes along with re-sell shopping and make it a smart and popular decision for everyone.”
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