After five years in business, Rotary's Elite Repeat upscale resale shop closed its doors on October 15.

"It was sad to say goodbye to customers and to those area charities we helped with donated items through the years," said Margaret White, store manager.

The store, which never reached its projected long term sales goals, still enjoyed a loyal following and was a positive "front door" to introduce the public to Rotary.

Elite Repeat first opened in 2004, in donated space arranged by Past President Matt Davis in The Plaza, located at 81st and South Lewis. Changes in the shopping center caused the store to move to another location in The Plaza.  Then several months ago, a lost lease forced the move to a third location, this time behind Panera Bread, at 71st and South Lewis.

Over the period of operation, Rotarians and friends of the store donated clothing, home décor and household items.  Margaret and dedicated volunteers Carolyn Collins, wife of Past President Doug Collins, and Sheroll Walker, wife of Rotarian Don Walker, and others sorted and priced only the most fashionable and upscale items.  But the volume of clothing and donated items far surpassed the needs of Elite Repeat, and truckloads were regularly funneled to grateful charities like John 3:16 and the Laura Dester Shelter.

Through the leadership and generosity of Rotarian Sid Shupack, the store remained solvent and even returned dollars to the Community Fund, which was the original purpose of opening the store.  But an advisory committee reviewed the long term prospects for Elite Repeat, and unanimously recommended to the board that the store close.

Rotarians and patrons unanimously praise the dedication of Margaret, who worked at Elite Repeat five days a week and served, as always, a great ambassador for Rotary.  After retiring as executive director of the Rotary Club of Tulsa — a position she held for 25 years, plus three years as an assistant — Margaret opened the store and managed it for the five years it was open.  She regularly was overheard telling customers about Rotary, explaining how grants from the Community Fund help fund several charitable organizations throughout the area.

Margaret said it's difficult to think she will ever truly retire, but she looks forward to spending more time with her son and his family.  Sadly for us, this will mean Margaret's relocation to Denver.  The store's closing culminated her 33 years of service to the club.

Pictured above: Margaret White, Store Manager (center) with longtime Elite Repeat volunteers Carolyn Collins (left) and Sheroll Walker

POSTED: 11-07-09