How My Best Friend’s Closet is setting a new trend for fashion
“I have always dreamed of being an entrepreneur.” Fargo native Jen Fischer has always loved clothing and fashion, especially thrifting and secondhand. “I remember shopping at thrift stores and consignment stores with my sister and falling in love with the concept,” she said. Jen graduated from NDSU with a business degree and quickly jumped into working at My Best Friend’s Closet (MBFC) a part-time position. She was a manager for a few years before the opportunity to own My Best Friend’s Closet fell into her lap.
One of the biggest issues Jen has with fast fashion today is how disposable it is. This means our clothes end up in landfills and the ocean. Plus, the chemicals and processes used to make the clothes are toxic to our environment.
There are everyday things people can do to make a positive difference for the planet, and one of them is clothing—repurpose, re-fashion, reuse, recycle, and consign! Buy less and invest in high-quality staple pieces, which you can find at MBFC for a fraction of the price. MBFC allows you to be conscious about your needs and wants while shopping at a secondhand boutique.
For Jen, Fargo is the perfect place to explore this growing industry of sustainable fashion. Especially after the pandemic, secondhand shopping became extremely popular; people were more apt to shop in smaller, local businesses. For many people, budgets have become tighter and secondhand has become the place to shop. Jen has seen significant growth for the business year after year, which shows just how much local shoppers love the fresh take on ‘secondhand boutique’ as a growing industry standard for apparel shopping.
A place for all ages to shop!
For many, MBFC is a one-stop shop, offering sizes and styles for all ages. “Grab your best friends, your mom, and your grandma for an extra special shopping experience—we have something for everyone,” Jen said.
To stay on top of the most current fashion trends, MBFC focuses on quality over quantity when selecting the type of pieces to sell. Customers will only find the highest quality items that are name brand, designer brand, in good condition, and within three years old. “Purchasing higher quality clothing is more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and long-wearing clothing is, in my opinion, more meaningful,” Jen said. “Just like fashion, things evolve and change every year. It’s good to keep up with the trends. And shopping secondhand allows you to do that; you can switch out your closet every season without breaking the bank.”
All of these new changes aside, however, the new “vibe” to MBFC has not changed—they are all about women supporting women… feeling comfortable and happy in your own skin, and finally, just being your genuine self. Jen wants everyone to feel better after they leave than when they came in. MBFC also takes part in a fundraiser fashion show with Rape & Abuse Crisis Center every year (see March 2023 issue of our sister magazine, Fargo Monthly).
Looking ahead, Jen says people can expect to see MBFC out in the community more through fashion shows, pop-ups, volunteering, and donating their time and services. “I want to be able to make an impact not only in the secondhand business community but in women’s lives,” she said. “I want to inspire young lady bosses and let them know anything is possible—you can start that business!”
Check out these outfits—entirely assembled from pieces at My Best Friend’s Closet!
Did You Know?
MBFC has been in the South Park Center Mall for 10 years! “We’ve loved the expansion and the great location!” – Jen Fischer, owner
Turtleneck — Ralph Lauren
Jacket — Forecaster
Pants — Worthington
Shoes — Clarks
Retail value: $250
MBFC price: $83
Pants — Frank Lyman
Tee — Trina Turk
Blazer — Alica + Olivia
Repurposed necklace — Dior
Clutch — Donald J. Pliner
Sandals — Solely Jane
Retail value: $610
MBFC price: $128
Check out the brand-new website! mybestfriendsclosetfargo.com
