Rockford boutique overcomes floods, economic downturn, and pandemic to thrive for 37 years

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A popular resale shop has been at that same location for nearly 40 years. 

But it hasn’t been without its challenges. 

Over the past 37 years, Diane Tope’s Great Hang-Ups has weathered three floods, a major economic downturn, and a global pandemic. 

“We still surpassed all that, and we are still here,” Tope said.

Great Hang-Ups opened as a bridal shop on May 1, 1988, in a small strip mall near the corner of Charles Street and South Rockford Avenue.

“What I had envisioned were wedding gowns,” she said. ”My husband was a DJ, and I wanted to do something that we could work together hand-in-hand. So, I would be selling the dresses and renting the suits and tuxes. And then I could send them to my husband, and we could do their wedding reception.”

About a year later, Tope started reselling high-end women’s clothing at the shop.

“We are all about recycling and taking care [of the environment], so when you can reuse something and save money, it’s important,” she said. 

And then there’s the people factor. It goes without saying that quality goods and quality prices are very important. But for the staff at Great Hang-Ups, true success has been measured by the relationships they make with everyone who walks in the door.

“We have generations of ladies that come in here,” store associate Shelby Bressler said. “From great grandmothers all the way down to great grandchildren, and they all leave with something usually. “You get to know them by name, and it’s just part of your everyday life. They feel like a part of your family when they’re in here.”

Freeport resident Jeraldine Gulley said she values the store’s local ownership. 

“They’re going to be there 100% when you come in here,” she said. “They help you from beginning to end—a very fantastic store.” 

Sisters Violeta and Dayanara Dominguez are recent customers and college students.

“It’s the new thing,” Violeta said. “Kids these days, they love to go to boutiques and thrifting. And old is the new ‘new.’ So that’s why we love coming here.”

Dayanara said: “I like the different styles, the different kind of dresses, things you don’t really find in other kinds of stores.”