Featured in the Jefferson County Leader
By Abby Stetina
An Otto resident with a huge love of “Friends” recently opened a resale shop named after the coffee shop commonly frequented by the characters of the hit show.
Kim Sauer opened the Central Perk Resale Shop, 5639 Old Hwy. 21, on Nov. 2. The store sells new and gently used clothing, home appliances, furniture, and decor, among other items.
Sauer, 61, said she’s watched “Friends” countless times since it first aired. She even found an orange couch for her store to match the one on the show.
“(The couch) is super comfy and inviting to all who come in the store,” she said. “I also offer coffee because (the ‘Friends’ cast) hung out at the Central Perk coffee shop, and I decorated the store with the cast members’ photos, especially in remembering Matthew Perry.
“I have new ‘Friends’ merchandise for sale, like pillows, blankets, earrings, key chains, totes and mouse pads for all the ‘Friends’ lovers out there.”
From 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, Sauer said Santa Claus will be available for pictures on the orange couch at the shop. Families must bring their own cameras, Sauer said.
Sauer began accepting donations in early October and said that in less than a month she was up and running the shop.
The resale store is located between the Save A Lot grocery store and Jesse’s Pizza, which Sauer said is perfect for foot traffic.
“(Business) has actually been very good,” Sauer said. “Jesse’s Pizza told me if I made up flyers, they would put them on their orders that go out the door. It was pretty amazing for them to do that for me. I made them up 100 flyers and they already told me they need more.”
Sauer said she’s lived in the Otto area since she was 11. Her daughters Nikki Masiulis and Kelsey McKnight have supported Sauer in getting the resale shop running.
Sauer said she has worked for a local builder for about 20 years, and for the last three years, she’s worked part time, allowing her to open her resale shop. Sauer also cleans a law office and several homes throughout the county.
“I was cleaning houses, and I was just all over the place, so I just wanted to work for the builder in the morning and then do my shop in the afternoons, evenings, and on the weekend,” she said.
The shop is open Monday through Friday 3-8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Eventually, Sauer said she wants to begin purchasing items from people for the shop, but for now, she’s working off donations.
“I want to be here for a long time, and keep my prices affordable for people,” Sauer said.
For more information, call the shop at 636-674-5030.
View the article on Leader Publications.
