On June 7th, the Mothership will open its new location on 5th Street. Originally opening in November of 2024, the store will expand from its current spot, where it shares space with two other businesses, to more than 3,000-square feet at 811 5th St. Suite A.

In what was formerly a four-car garage, the location will have an industrial vibe with lights, vintage furniture, and plenty of clothing and accessories, said Marketing Manager, Rhys Baker. 

“There’s racks everywhere, we’ve added bins, swimsuits, and kids’ items,” she said. 

Owner and “Chief Human” Rachael Greenlee said that has been the goal all along, and now they have the space. 

“I was casually looking for a new space and this just fell into my lap,” she said. “We’ll also have mid-century furniture, which I am most excited about because I really enjoy that.” 

Greenlee said she has wanted to open a consignment shop since returning to Clay Center, after helping run similar operations in Tennessee.

“I knew how to do it, I knew it was a thing,” she said. “But I didn’t know if it was enough of a thing to do here, or in a small town.” 

She began collecting items and hosted a pop-up event at last year’s Piotique, then planned to open shop and test the idea.

“I wanted to see if this could be a thing in Clay Center,” she said. “I thought it might work, and when it started working, expanding and adding more things became the goal.” 

The store works on consignment, where people bring in their clothing, which is then tagged and put on racks – displayed like a thrift store. Once sold, sellers can get 50-50 store credit, or take cash on a 40-60 split. 

Clothes are placed for sale for 60 days, after which they can be donated or picked up by the owners. The pair said this keeps items fresh, especially with new pieces consistently flowing in. Accessories like jewelry, belts, bags, and shoes are also up for sale. 

Another driving factor was to provide ample fashion options without a huge price tag. 

“That has been my core thing all along is to make everything available for everybody,” she said. “The opportunity for people to make money is also appealing, but we do the work for them and keep it convenient. So, it’s a combination of those two things.” 

However, if it’s a larger ticket item, she said the customer can provide a minimum price at which it can be sold. 

Meanwhile, “Brand Human,” Rhys Baker takes unsold clothes to up-cycle into different projects. She makes t-shirt bags, which customers’ items are put into when purchased. (In contrast to a plastic bag.) 

“We take the graphic tees that don’t sell, and we make custom bags for our customers,” Baker said. “It’s just an up-cycling thing to try to keep stuff out of the landfill.” 

Another upcycle item from the store are her “hag rags,” where a t-shirt is given contrasting, flowy sleeves. 

“I found them on Pinterest and they were over $100,” she said. “We sell ours for $35 because we want it to be accessible and for everyone to have a chance to wear cool things.” 

As for future up-cycle projects, the pair is always on the lookout.

“Just like fashion changes, we’ll change too.” 

Their mystery jewelry jars are another hot-ticket item. Ranging in size and price, jars are filled with jewelry – either consigned items or those from an estate sale – and sold whole, jar included. It’s also a growing trend on social media, further prompting the excitement.

“If I don’t have those, people ask,” Greenlee said. “They go quick and they are so much fun.” 

Greenlee said the larger space will be a way for people to shop locally while still getting big access to statement fashion.

“I’ve always had eclectic style; I don’t even know that’s the right word for it,” she said. “But I feel like wardrobes can be built around just a few unique pieces, so I want to offer those unique pieces.” 

This is a statement she proves with her own signature item – a 1970s Samsonite hard-sided suitcase in tangerine. It’s the train case from their former Sherbrooke collection.

“It’s kind of my purse,” she laughed. “I keep my files and other things in here. Someone brought it in and it’s what my grandma used to keep her toiletries in, so I had to have it.” While that one she kept for personal use, others have come in that are for sale in the store, she said. 

However, Greenlee is most excited about the location’s atmosphere and bringing in customers to not just shop, but enjoy the space.

“We have such a good environment, we just want to make people feel comfortable,” she said. “I want every human to just feel like they can find something and for it to be a place to hang. I think once people get in the door then they’ll understand.” 

The Mothership will open its new doors June 7th at 811 5th Street, behind Happy Hippie. Enter through the north alley door, along the mural and just south of Family Dollar. 

Opening weekend will consist of Happy Hippie charcuterie cups, beer from 15-24 Brew House, cocktails and mocktails, and live music from Emily Navarro. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.