Our Story

Women’s Closet Exchange has built a singular reputation for making designer fashions available, and affordable, to everyone. From Louis Vuitton to Manolo Blahnik, Chanel to Marc Jacobs, we offer the name brands that you love in a condition that can only be described as “pristine.”

What’s more, we travel the country regularly in search of the hottest contemporary fashions typically found only in exclusive boutiques and high-end retailers, allowing us to offer you “now” style without the “ow” at the cash register. In fact, we have a saying around the store: “The Only Difference Is the Price!”

With over 25 years in business, we are nationally recognized as one of the top designer resale shops in the country. From the original boutique launched in 1984, with a footprint of just 400 square feet, to our current new location spanning over 4,000 square feet, Women’s Closet Exchange has become THE destination for style-minded women who know how to dress like a million dollars - without spending it.

The Founder

Sue McCarthy is the spark that ignited the wildfire success of Women’s Closet Exchange, and has been largely responsible for its current level of notoriety within the national designer resale community. McCarthy is passionate about fashion, and has built her business on a foundation of hard work, integrity and exceptional customer service.

Sue serves as a board member for NARTS (National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores), is the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award, and is recognized by the SBA as an expert in the field of resale - often traveling the country providing guidance to new or current business owners looking for strategies to improve their business practices.

An outspoken advocate of entrepreneurialism and women-owned businesses, McCarthy has been, and continues to be, a role model for others - including her own daughters who have chosen to follow in her footsteps. Additionally, she believes that with business success comes a level of social responsibility, and actively embraces the philosophy of “paying it forward” by contributing to a variety of charitable organizations such as Dress for Success, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Guardian Angel and the Salvation Army.

The Support

Most every successful business has been built on a great team and Sue McCarthy has known this from day one. From the stylish ladies who work the floor of the boutique, to the buyers, to the back office - everyone is constantly looking to improve upon an already winning formula. Even more powerful is the fact that McCarthy’s own daughters are major players in the day-to-day operations. Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure!

Laura Maurice joined the Women’s Closet Exchange team in 1995. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit that seems to run in the family, she identified a need in the existing customer base for quality upscale children and maternity clothing. From this epiphany, the Purple Cow was born in the year 2000. Fast-forward to the present and it is consistently ranked amongst the best children and maternity resale shops in St. Louis, Missouri.

Diana Ford is the newest member to join the team. With valuable experience in advertising and having traveled and shopped the world for the best in designer buys, her responsibilities are appropriately quite diverse. Currently, she manages all marketing and events for the Women's Closet Exchange, the Purple Cow, and Clique. Diana also owns The Shopping Co., specializing in distinctive shopping excursions for groups and individuals. You may contact her regarding event opportunities and press inquiries at dford[@]theshoppingcompany[.]net.