With a dream of establishing a high-end consignment store that had all the hallmarks of an upscale boutique, Judith Williams signed her first lease for retail space in Lakewood Ranch in the Spring of 2011. On April 15 the original Fine Resale of Lakewood Ranch opened with a terrific reception from the community.

Customers recognized the appeal of having experienced, professional and caring staff who were there to help them select from the constantly changing inventory of consigned items that had been authenticated, priced below normal retail and displayed in an organized setting. Judith selected staff with a wide age range and varied backgrounds; each person chosen with care and trained to become an integral part of the “Team”.

Many first-time shoppers couldn’t believe this new Fine Resale of Lakewood Ranch was a consignment store. Judith’s dream represented a new bar of excellence for the consignment store experience, not only for the consignors, but for the customers too. Certainly, it was a store the likes of which had not been here before.

With a background of 23 years of continued success in the lumber and plastics business, Judith set up her initial retail venture with tried and true business principles. Never be afraid to stretch to meet new goals, she listened and learned from what consignors, customers and employees gave as feedback.

Based on the initial responses from customers and consignors, Judith knew immediately that this community was eager for this new kind of consignment store. It was time for one where anyone who entered would experience the look, the feel and the quality that previously was only available at an expensive boutique.

Her first store specialized in clothing, accessories and shoes for women, with a smaller space allocated for men’s clothing, shoes and ties as a test to determine if men would shop in a consignment store. And shop they did. This location boasts the largest Men’s selection in the area. Furniture, decor and home furnishings filled half of the initial store. Within a few months Judith knew the furniture needed a much larger space, so she opened a second location on SR 70, with a focus on furniture and home furnishings.

Judith opened additional locations during the following years, keeping true to her same business model of excellence in design, inventory, and staff and giving back to the community with involvement in many local charities and donating to nonprofits.. Her dream was recognized by receiving multiple awards as “Best of the Best” and by the continued support of consignors and customers.

Judith’s dream and vision has been passed on to her loyal employees who have helped build the Fine Resale stores in to what they are today with four centrally located stores in Apollo Beach, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Osprey.