Solon shop goes live, gets women in style

“I started the live shopping show, literally because I needed to get things out of the store. I needed to sell items to keep my business. What we found out is that people from as far away as California enjoy shopping live with the show,” Ms. Melsher said.

At 8 p.m. on Wednesdays customers watch Ms. Melsher and some of her staff members show off the clothes and accessories that are currently for sale. They are one-of-a-kind designer items with names like Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and BCBG. Purses from Louis Vuitton, Coach and Burberry are also available.

All of the items are in beautiful shape -Ms. Melsher calls it curating her items - and all are at incredible discounts.

The Burberry bag she has on sale for $900 retails for $2,500 to $3,000 in stores. When the live shopping show is on, customers buy. Ms. Melsher has a bot that handles the purchasing part of the transaction, so it decides who was first to signal they want to purchase items.

I had to get the bot, because people would think they were the first buyer, and I would have to figure out who it was. Your phone always shows you as the first buyer,” she said. Once the buyer is established, they have 24 hours to complete the transaction either over the phone or by going into the store.

Ms. Melsher’s fun, outgoing personality attracts customers to watch her show and then return to watch it again. She does shout-outs to customers who she knows are watching, saying things like, “Hey, friend in Pennsylvania, this is an extra-small and would fit you nicely.”

She said she knows what her regular customers like and what sizes they need. She makes sure to offer designer items in all sizes, not just small sizes, as some designer boutiques do.

“Everyone should have a chance to wear beautiful clothes. I have things in every size and for every age group,” Ms. Melcher said.

She often models the clothes for her watchers, explaining the fit and telling shoppers when and where they can wear the outfits.

Ms. Melsher has been in business now for nine years in Solon. She and her family are Solon residents, and she fought to have her consignment store in Solon Shopping Center, even though it took some convincing with the city’s planning department.

“They kept thinking I was selling used items, but my items are designer wear and accessories.”

She said that, as a result of the live shopping show, she has received some additional foot traffic into the store.

“Sometimes the buyers come to pick up their items the next day, or I will ship it to them for free,” she said. ”But, like I always say on the show, you need to come in and look for yourself. I have thousands of items.

“I am honest. I tell people what I can take and what will sell. I am meticulous in making sure the items are not worn or stained in any way.”

She said there are some brands that sell and some that do not, so she doesn’t take every item.

“I also have furs, leather coats and both long and short cocktail dresses. So many stores are not selling those dressier items anymore, so it’s gotten to the point where people have to come to a store like mine to find a cocktail dress,” she said.

But what really draws customers to UpscaleIT is Ms. Melsher and her staff. They work to make women look and feel beautiful.

“We will help you find the perfect outfit,” she said. “We will make sure you look fabulous with something unique and in your style. That’s why I do this, I just love helping women find things that make them feel beautiful.”

And now, thanks to the live shopping show on Wednesday nights, UpscaleIT can help women find things that make them feel beautiful even when they are not in the store or even in Ohio.