Stanley Blanchard wasn’t chicken to name his new business after the nickname given to him by his ex-girlfriend.
The co-owner of East Lansing’s newest clothing shop and his partner Bryan Stoner say their shop, Chicken Heads, which opens Monday at its 543 E. Grand River Ave. location, is “a step up from a thrift store.”
Although the name Chicken Heads might sound confusing to some people, Blanchard said he hopes the name, which came from a pet name from an ex-girlfriend, will attract customers.
“It was one of her endearing terms for me,” he said. “We ran the name by a bunch of people along with a list of others, and this was the one most selected.”
The concept of the store is to buy used clothing back from the public and then sell it for about one-third of what it would cost if new, Blanchard said.
But not just any clothing will be bought back. Blanchard and Stoner are looking for certain threads.
“If it is in mint condition with no flaws of any kind, in a current style and in great shape, we will most likely take it,” Stoner said.
Most of the items the store sells will be between $10 and $15. People who bring in clothing to sell will be given 35 percent of the selling price in cash before they leave the store, or 50 percent store credit to be used whenever they want.
“If you can picture someone else wearing it, then chances are we’ll buy it,” Blanchard said.
Blanchard and Stoner, who moved to Michigan from Arizona to open the store in East Lansing, had a common interest in vintage clothing and used-clothing stores.
Blanchard has owned a couple of vintage stores and Stoner worked in stores with a concept similar to Chicken Heads out West. Both felt Michigan needed a store like Chicken Heads.
“There are no stores like it here,” Stoner said. “I thought Michigan deserved one.”
Education sophomore Alicia Anderson said the store concept seems similar to a thrift store for college students, which she believes works well for students who are on a low budget and need clothes.
“I think it is a pretty cool idea,” she said. “I know a lot of people who would like to get nice stuff for a lesser price.
“A lot of kids also really like thrift shops.”
Heidi Weiss, a studio art sophomore, also said Chicken Heads is a good way for students to keep a little extra cash in their pockets.
“I think it is a good idea and a great way for college students to make money on the side,” she said. “It probably would (attract students) because a lot of the clothing stores on Grand River can be kind of pricey.”
Shane Henry, a political science freshman, said although this isn’t his kind of store, he can understand people wanting to shop there.
“I wouldn’t (shop there) because I’m not really strapped for cash so I would just buy my clothing new,” he said. “Lots of people are trying to save here and there and if they can sell their clothing or buy them cheap then they would.”
Chicken Heads, which is planning its grand opening Monday, will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
“Initially we were anxious and nervous about opening,” Stoner said. “But the reception is so good right now, with people window-shopping and knocking on the door, that we can’t wait to open.”
