Hiptique Resale & Gifts with Owner, Nikki Delano
Owner of Hiptique, Nikki Delano. Image courtesy of Sharon Davis-Cawthorne
You may have missed it - the ‘Open’ sandwich board sign at the sidewalk or the sunshine yellow ‘flower power’ logo for Hiptique Resale & Gifts on the Mack Avenue Mall. Yet over the past five years, Nikki Delano has turned her passion into a place for unique hip items. Offering upscale, budget-friendly, new, gently-worn and consignment items, Delano’s classy boutique at 16235 Mack serves Morningside and bordering communities Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-3pm.
As a past Motor City Match recipient, Delano says, “I started the store for the flexibility for my family and a desire to bring quality clothing goods to our neighborhood.” She also adds that her fashion items are for, “school and work to party and pub.”
On a rainy Saturday morning visit, Hiptique customer Jeanette Taylor also found pieces she said, “are pretty for church, too.” This versatility in the collection is one of the reasons why Delano's boutique has gained popularity among individuals with diverse fashion needs.
The store owner has faced her share of personal and business challenges. Like many businesses, Hiptique faced its share of hardship due to the pandemic. Delano says “I closed, not essential, l lost momentum and customers.” The sidewalk directional marks bear witness to the reopening of the shop doors post-pandemic to both male and female customers.
Hiptique has a variety of woman accessories, clothing, and shoes. Image courtesy of Sharon Davis-Cawthorne
However, this past June when Michigan-born Delano lost her father, she shut her doors again for three-months, reflecting that, “It was harder than I thought it would be.” It was one of her most difficult and recent life-changing events to weather. Yet, Nikki says her biggest rewards and reason for being the “Resale Rocker” has been to “invest in the city I was born in, seeing happy faces, be in a neighborhood I call my own and remain close by for family while providing sustainable fashion.”
Looking to the future, Delano also strives to have a sustainable business. The warm, inviting nature of Delano and the well-curated racks and walls, have a flow that makes one feel welcome to browse and ask, as one shopper did, ‘do you have anything to go with…’
She plans on growing a partnership with a like-minded furniture crafter to offer unique, painted resale items alongside her clothing and gift inventory. Delano believes this partnership will not only add an interesting element to her store, but will also provide customers with access to expert advice on the pieces and other items already available. Keep an eye out for her special events throughout the year.
Here’s how you can connect with Nikki:
Phone: (313) 629-0749
Business email: hiptiqueonmack@gmail.com
Website/Online Store: www.hiptiqueresale.com
Social Media Handles: https://www.facebook.com/hiptiqueresale