Meet the Woman Behind Margaret’s Fine Consignments
Cara Shelton is bringing energy to Margaret’s Fine Consignments, the longtime Louisville favorite known for boutique-style consignment shopping. Get to know her! Image: Jake Zaepfel
For Cara Shelton, owning Margaret’s Fine Consignments wasn’t part of a lifelong retail dream; it was a family opportunity and a chance to try something new. Since joining the team in 2018 and taking over for her stepmother in 2020, she has continued the store’s legacy while adding her own flair.
More than just a consignment shop, Margaret’s is a curated, boutique-like experience where clothing gets a second life, and customers are family. Cara uses her business background to combine organization and efficiency with the customer connection that has made Margaret’s a beloved Louisville institution for more than three decades.
What led you to take over Margaret’s Fine Consignment?
When Margaret married my dad, they were at a point where they really wanted to travel and enjoy retirement without being tied down to the day-to-day responsibilities of the store. Margaret’s Consignments had been a Louisville institution for about 35 years, so it wasn’t something she wanted to just walk away from. She asked me if I’d ever consider taking it over, and I said “yes” pretty quickly. I thought, “Why not? Let’s give it a shot.”
I didn’t come from a retail background, so it wasn’t something I had been planning or working toward. But I did grow up in a family business, and I really loved that environment. I started working at the store in 2018 to learn the ropes, and then I officially bought it in 2020. It’s been a natural transition in a lot of ways because I’m continuing something that Margaret built and cared deeply about. There’s a responsibility that comes with that, but also a lot of pride in keeping her vision alive while adding my own touch.
What was your business background before going into retail?
Before this, I spent my entire life in construction. My dad owns a local construction company that’s been around for more than 40 years, and I grew up working there. I left for a couple of years after college, but I eventually went back because I really enjoyed working in that kind of family-run environment. So stepping into retail, specifically fashion, was definitely a shift for me.
I didn’t grow up immersed in trends, brands, or styling. But what I did bring with me was a strong work ethic and a comfort level with running a business. At the end of the day, a business is a business, no matter the industry. And I’ve found that a lot of the skills I developed in construction — like staying organized, managing operations, and working with people — translate more than you might expect.
What’s a “day in the life” like as the owner of Margaret’s Fine Consignments?
Every day is a little different, which is part of what keeps it interesting. There’s always something to do in a consignment store. A big part of it is managing inventory — going through items people bring in, deciding what we can accept based on condition and style, and then getting those pieces ready for the floor.
We’re constantly moving things around, organizing, and making sure everything looks clean and appealing. That’s really important to me; I want the store to feel more like a boutique than what people might picture when they hear “consignment.” A lot of time goes into the presentation.
On the customer side, we spend a lot of time helping people find what they’re looking for, answering questions, and creating a welcoming environment. It’s not just about selling clothes; it’s about making people feel comfortable and excited to be here.
There’s also the behind-the-scenes work, like bookkeeping, scheduling, and all the little operational details that keep everything running smoothly. It’s definitely hands-on, and I like being involved in all aspects.
If you could help anyone (past or present) find their perfect outfit at Margaret’s Consignment, who would it be?
I’d love to help Marilyn Monroe find an outfit here. She’s such a classic fashion icon, and it would be so fun to see how she’d react to the store. A lot of people come in for the first time and are genuinely surprised by what they find, and I think she’d have that same reaction.
What do you think surprises customers most about your store?
People don’t realize how much we have. The store is two stories, with multiple rooms upstairs. We have sections for pants, skirts, activewear, shoes, and more. People walk in thinking it’s going to be small or limited, and then they realize there’s so much to explore. Another surprise is how organized everything is. We really try to keep it clean and structured so it feels more like a boutique than a resale shop.
Building on that, are there any misconceptions about consignment that you would like to debunk?
People often think that consignment is the same as a thrift store, but it’s not. We’re not like Goodwill or a yard sale. We’re very selective about what we take; we look at condition, age, and overall quality. And honestly, a lot of what we carry is brand new with tags. People shop online, don’t return things, and bring them to us instead.
You’re not just getting “used” clothing; you’re often getting new items at a better price. There’s also this idea that consignment is only for high-end designer brands, and that’s not true. We carry a range of items for different budgets. If something is unique and in great condition, we’re interested in it, regardless of the label.
What’s your favorite thing about owning Margaret’s Consignment?
It really is the customers. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. We have so many repeat customers who come in regularly, and over time, you get to know them. They ask about my family, and I ask about theirs; it becomes more than just a transaction. There’s a sense of community here that I think is really special. People feel comfortable, and they enjoy coming in, even if they’re just browsing. That connection is what makes it all worthwhile for me.
On the flip side, what is the most challenging thing for you?
The hardest part is dealing with situations where people are unhappy, especially when we can’t accept items for consignment. Not everything meets our criteria, and sometimes people don’t understand why. It’s never easy to say “no,” and sometimes people take it personally. That’s probably the most challenging aspect — navigating those conversations while remaining respectful and professional.
When you take a break from work, where are your favorite places to eat, shop, and play around Louisville? Are there any hidden gems we should put on our radar?
I love everything about Frankfort Avenue. It’s my go-to spot. You can do so much in one area — grab breakfast, have lunch, get a drink, shop, and spend time with friends. It has such a great mix of places, and there’s always something new to try.
There are so many great spots that I think deserve more attention. Places like Red Hog are amazing, but you’d be surprised how many people haven’t heard of it. There are also little neighborhood wine shops where you can sit down and have a meal, and local bars that feel really welcoming — almost like a Cheers atmosphere where everyone knows each other. Honestly, my block alone has everything you could want, and I think people would really enjoy exploring it more.
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Lennie Omalza
Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.