Great Escape: Discover Anne’s Unique Boutique in Downtown Palatine

After almost 35 years in downtown Palatine, Anne’s Unique Boutique located at 16 South Bothwell continues to thrive. Not only has its clientele grown, but the resale and consignment store now is expanding into retail space next door; previously occupied by D'agostino's salon.

Anne’s Unique Boutique sells men, women and children’s designer clothing and accessories, jewelry, crystal and china, art and other fine collectables.

Brand name clothes, belts, handbags and shoes come from designers such as Yves St. Laurent, Juicy Couture, Gucci, Fendi, Gap, Armani, Burberry, Kate Spade, Manolo Blahnick and Valentino.

Waterford, Orrefors and Lalique crystal are also carried, and that’s all just the tip of the iceberg.

Though it is a resale shop, many of the items for sale are brand new.

“There are so many people who buy expensive items that they don’t ever use or wear; I get so much with the tags still on them,” said Tina de Koning, who runs the business and owns it with her husband Bill.

“My customers tell me we’ve gotten better and better, I am very picky on what I choose to take on consignment and we definitely carry the current styles,” de Koning said.

De Koning says the best thing to do is to make a trip to the store more like an outing.

“What people need to do is take their time and really look through what we have to offer, there are many treasures to be found,” said de Koning.

The business was pioneered by de Koning’s mother-in-law, Anne de Koning in the mid-1970s; she initially opened across the street from the current location at the corner of Bothwell and Palatine Road. 

“Anne used to sell Avon all over the country, and she would meet well-to-do women who wouldn’t want to be caught in the same outfit twice or dare be seen returning anything to the store,” de Koning said.

“She would tell them she could try to sell the items for them, and that is how the business got started,”  she said.

After steady growth early on, Anne moved the store to a larger location in 1979 where it is now located.

De Koning and her husband Bill, Anne’s son, bought the business in 2000 around the time that Anne passed away. De Koning said she and her husband are proud to carry on Anne’s entrepreneurial legacy.

“It’s wonderful for the consigners, if you don’t wear it in six months, get rid of it,” said de Koning.

De Koning said if individuals are interested in putting items on consignment, the best thing to do is call.

“We will give you the rundown; we take items in excellent condition that are in style, wrinkle free and ready to go on the rack,” said de Koning.

“The season is important too, we are only taking items for spring and summer now, timing is important,” de Koning added.

Consignments are accepted Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and no appointment is necessary. The business is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“If you live in Palatine, try to support the mom and pop shops in downtown, this is the time for small businesses to really shine,” said de Koning.  

The business website is currently under construction, so stop by or call for more information at 847-991-1976.

Anne’s Unique Boutique will be participating in the ‘Girls on the Town’ event April 8 and April 9, which is sponsored by the Downtown Palatine Business Association.  For additional information on the event, visit www.downtownpalatine.org.