Finding designer labels such as Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani on the racks at Sequels Upscale Resale clothing boutique is not uncommon.
Designer handbags made by Coach and Dooney & Bourke also can be found in the Oro Valley store.
And there are two racks entirely devoted to clothing with the Chico's label.
"We have really good stuff and it's hidden in the racks. It's like finding a treasure when you look through the racks and find Valentino," said Heather Buck, Sequels' assistant manager.
Donated and consignment items stock the store, which will have a new — albeit close by — location come Monday.
Owned and operated by the Amphi Foundation, Sequels will close Friday and Saturday so merchandise can be moved a few doors down from its current location, 7961 N. Oracle Road, to a new space at 7921 N. Oracle Road.
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The store will reopen in the same shopping center Monday.
"It's going to be a brighter space," Buck said.
The walls are splashed with oranges and yellows, there are new light fixtures, more dressing rooms and a public restroom.
In addition to owning Sequels, the nonprofit Amphi Foundation operates a clothing bank for families in the Amphitheater Public Schools district and provides scholarships, health and fitness assistance and classroom technology to Amphi students and schools.
Sequels opened two years ago this month to serve as a funding source for the foundation's 21st Century Classroom Initiative, which provides technology to Amphi classrooms.
The Amphi Foundation launched the business by using proceeds from a $300,000 grant given to the foundation by BHP Copper Inc. in early 2007 to get the 21st Century Classroom Initiative off the ground.
Part of the money was used to buy one Smart Board — an interactive whiteboard that requires a projector, special pen and computer — for every Amphi school.
Remaining funds were invested and used to open Sequels.
"The idea was to open something sustainable that would continue past BHP Copper (funding)," said Ben Wichers, president of the Amphi Foundation board of directors.
Sales have been steady, but not great, Wichers said.
"We are certainly confident it will do well in the long run," he said. "It's a great concept."
Chico's clothing and jewelry are top sellers at Sequels, Buck said.
Name-brand women's and juniors clothing and other less expensive brands are sold at the store as well, along with shoes and accessories.
Buck and manager Michele Thompson are the only paid employees.
Volunteers always are needed and those who donate their time receive 20 percent off merchandise, Buck said.
Kenna Ruiz volunteers once a week in the store.
Her two children graduated from Amphi's Ironwood Ridge High School. Ruiz volunteered in the district while they were in school and wanted to continue even after they graduated.
There are lots of bargains to be found in Sequels, Ruiz said.
"It's fantastic," she said. "It's a great place for people to get high-end, upscale clothing at a reasonable price."
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If you go
What: Sequels Upscale Resale.
Where: Reopening Monday at 7921 N. Oracle Road.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Phone: 797-4949.
To donate: Tax-deductible donations of juniors and women's clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories and jewelry can be dropped off at Sequels during regular business hours. Children's and men's clothing donated to Sequels will be sent to the Amphi Foundation's Clothing Bank.
For information about consignment, contact the store.
