Miranda Pederson/Daily NewsLiz Bradley owns Lulu’s Fine Home Furnishings & Consignments.

Name of business: Lulu’s Fine Home Furnishings & Consignments

Location: 1116 Broadway Ave.

Type of business: Furniture and home accessories consignment shop

When did it open? 2005

Owner: Liz and Chris Bradley

Number of employees: Nine

Specialties: We offer a high-end approach to consignment shopping, which is unique to the Bowling Green/Warren County area. We also carry lines, such as Candleberry Candles, Still & Dot jewelry, Colts chocolates and pies and Multiple Blessings stationary.

How did the business get started? I was working at a fine home furnishings gift store in Bowling Green and had no place to take my home furnishings that I had paid a lot for. They were still very in style and current, but I had just grown tired of or had no place to put them. I thought, “I know there are other women who have quality items and need a place to sell them. Someone needs to open a high-end consignment shop; maybe I should do it.”

What is your background? I worked in retail since college, but really gained a lot of experience in home furnishings when I worked at Werner-Lowe for so many years. I also have gained so much from all the challenges of decorating clients’ homes.

What are your biggest challenges as a business? We are a 6,000-square-foot building and are absolutely full. We always make room for new arrivals, but there is no shortage of fabulous finds our incredible clients bring us to consign. We are so thankful. God just continues to bless our shop daily.

What’s your business philosophy? Customer service, plain and simple. We don’t mind going the extra mile. You leave feeling like you just left a luxury specialty store with bargain prices. We truly care about our customers and consider them our friends. We are also big into giving back to the community. We participate in local events through donations and volunteering. We also offer consignments for charity, which is open to anyone.

What issues are affecting your industry? The economy has not hit the consignment industry like it has other industries. Women still need to shop, and they feel more comfortable spending their money here as opposed to new markets. It makes the dollar stretch a little further.

What are the factors that make your business successful? We are set apart from other consignment stores because we are very selective and only take quality, current items that we then display in attractive vignettes. We are set apart from other home furnishing and furniture stores because of our competitive prices on items.

How do you handle competition? There is enough business in Bowling Green to go around. I support other consignment and home furnishing shops. If I don’t have something someone is looking for, or I don’t accept certain items someone is looking to sell, I send them to someone else. If someone is from out-of-town, I will make suggestions of my favorite spots.

What is your advice to someone thinking about opening a business? Pray and just think long and hard before you make the jump. My job is to make this industry look as easy and effortless as possible for you to enjoy your shopping experience, but the behind-the-scenes is much different. It is something you have to love, but if you love it, then it is worth all the effort.