The Daily News

New clothing store Phaze II might be best defined by what it is not. Located next door to Bon Jo's, Phaze II is not a standard clothing store or thrift shop but still retains elements of each.

Owner Wendy Eggers describes Phaze II as a cross between Plato's Closet and Once Upon A Child - she buys and sells brand-name fashions in gently-used form.

"I look online. If it's not in style, I'm not going to buy it," she said.

Phaze II is a new used clothing store on Dakota Avenue in Wahpeton. Photo by Jennifer Johnson Advertisement

Inside the store, a long row of colorful shoes sits above several racks of knit tops and shirts, and a few select posters of celebrities and music stars are plastered on the wall. Eggers carries a wide variety of styles, from infants up to juniors and young men's sizes. She even carries a few plus-sizes.

Though the shop itself has a trendy, youth-driven feel to it, everyone can find something there - purses, jewelry and other accessories are clustered on shelves.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not a consignment store.

"Either I buy it or don't buy it," said Eggers, a property manager for Rainbow Court Apartment Complexes in Wahpeton.

The store's concept started two years ago, when she realized how much she wanted Plato's Closet and Once Upon A Child closer to home than Fargo. And after she heard a story from her son, who recalled how badly his friend had been treated for not wearing the right clothes, she forged ahead.

"If you're not wearing designer things in high school, you're pushed off to the side," she said. "It's just like they don't even have a chance."

The store's name stemmed from Eggers' husband, Jeremy, who suggested "Phaze II" to indicate the clothes are previously worn.

"Let's put a 'z' in there instead of an 's,' and we'll go with that," she said.

One behind-the-scenes fact about the store is that Eggers donates extra clearance clothing to Richland-Wilkin Kinship, which in turn sells the clothing at rummage sales. Kinship then uses the money to support mentors and children.

"I want a big turnaround, so it doesn't get stale," she said. "So I'm donating clothes to Kinship."

In February, Kinship is putting on a style show, which will be held featuring the kids in outfits from the store. Eggers also donates some clothing to missionaries in Fairmount, who then give it to families in need.

"I'm a profitable organization, but I'm helping other people," she said.

Eggers is planning a grand opening of the store in January. The store has been open since Nov. 28.

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