 | Local consignment shops thrive in slow economy |
Warwick - Businesses in general have been facing an uphill battle since the economic downturn but one segment of Warwick's retail merchants has thrived: Consignment shops. For the past few years consignment boutiques, as they are called, have been opening up all over town. However with names like Savvy Chic, Too Sweet, Marilyn's and Glamour Girl, they are not your run of the mill second hand stores or thrift shops. Each shop has its own specialty and the merchandise, generally upscale, looks like and is displayed like brand new items. The big difference is the price. Items on consignment are typically priced 40 to 60 per cent off retail prices. Savvy Chic Savvy Chic Consignment Boutique in Merchant Square, for example, carries fine ladies clothing to include pre-teen, juniors, misses and plus size. "Our boutique strives to have the very best merchandise to please our shoppers," said owner Lisa Pearce. "And if something doesn't sell we give the owner a choice of having it returned or allowing us to donate it to a local thrift shop." Pearce's inventory includes designer label clothing and accessories with brand names like Coach, Prada, Dooney Bourke, Tiffany, Chanel, Mary Frances and Brighton. | "We pride ourselves on providing the stylish woman with an opportunity to take home apparel and accessories that are in style, but most importantly affordable." Marilyn's Marilyn's Consignment Boutique on Railroad Avenue has a similar message and its slogan is, "Why pay the difference if you can't tell the difference." Cecelia Hunter-Fincke, a sales associate at Marilyn's, also points out that consignment is a win-win for everyone in a poor economy. "There are people out there who have perfectly good clothing hanging in their closets that they no longer use or need," she said. "But they could certainly use the extra money and consigning quality items is a great idea." |
| Too Sweet Some consignment shops prefer to specialize. Stephanie Gove, for example, recently opened Too Sweet Consignment Boutique in Mitchel Corners. Too Sweet is a children's consignment shop and its policy is to attractively display only clean high quality and gently used goods that are without stains or damage of any sort, giving the appearance of new merchandise. |
| The shop also has a large selection of strollers, toys and other playthings as well as maternity clothing along with a selection of brand new gift items. Glamour Girl Next door to Savvy Chic in Merchant Square is another children's consignment shop, Glamour Girl Consignment Boutique. Co-owners Lisa McSweeney and Lisa Muto are even more specialized than others. |
| Glamour Girl is strictly for young ladies. The shop features a large variety of high-line girl's clothing, sizes 3 to 16 with name brands including Corky & Co., Hanna Andersson, Mini Boden, Sister Sam, Lipstick and Abercrombie. "All of our clothing is hand selected and in new or nearly new condition," said Muto. "The new fashions at Glamour Girl are priced competitively and right on trend. And young girls generally grow out of their clothing quickly and well before they show any signs of wear." In addition to consigned clothing, Glamour Girl carries a selection of new jewelry that just might go well with their new purchase. "We love watching the little girls when their mothers first bring them here," said Muto. "They see all these fashionable outfits on display and they are thrilled." |
| It appears that all of these local consignment shops are part of a recession proof industry and are following the old adage for any successful business, "Find a need and fill it." |
Post a comment about this story. Be sure to include your name and email to submit a comment. Please note that email addresses are for internal use only and will not be displayed or shared. You can find a copy of our privacy policy in the terms of service link below.
I agree that I have read the Terms of Service and agree to abide by them.
Terms of Service
|
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment