Category Archives: SHOPPING

Fall Wish List

I’m SO excited for fall weather. It’ll be nice when I don’t have to remove layers when I go outside (because a normal indoor temperature is cold to me). I’m noticing a trend amongst the outfits I’ve been pinning lately . They’re all pretty classic looks–simple pieces with timeless shapes and patterns, lots of layering, rich neutral colors. Combining sophisticated and casual, classy and laid-back. My summer wardrobe is colorful and a bit funky, so I guess I’m just ready for some change. Of course, I still love unique, fun pieces, like these loafers, for instance. But I think sticking with mostly simple, classic pieces and adding just one or two unique items will really make those items shine. Here are some things I’ve discovered recently that, if I had a bottomless wallet, I’d probably snatch up. I guess I’ll just have to look for similar items in consignment stores…the best way to go!

fall_wishlist

Any trends or items you’re eying for fall?

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San Diego!

This past weekend, I attended the annual NARTS conference in San Diego. Normally I just tag along with my mom as her employee, but this year I attended as a “affiliate,” so I was actually a vendor at SourceMart (a trade show). Here are some highlights from my trip.

We stayed at the Westin in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. We didn’t have a ton of time to explore the area, but we did venture out with some other conference attendees to Rockin’ Baja Costal Cantina to eat fish tacos.

san diego gaslamp quarter san diego gaslamp quarter Friday was the bus tour. We went to resale and thrift stores around San Diego. It wasn’t the best bus tour I’ve been on at a NARTS conference, but it was still fun. We went to Buffalo Exchange, My Sister’s Closet, La Femme Chic Consignment Boutique, City Digz, and Consignment Classics. That night, we attended a fun “sweet treats” party NARTS hosts every year. There was a photo booth, a guy on stilts, a talent show, and of course tons of delicious sweets. The talent show was funny. Several groups went up and sang parodies of songs…switched up to be about resale shopping. The NARTS board did a silly cheer.

NARTS sweet treats party NARTS sweet treats party NARTS sweet treats party Saturday we attended workshops all day, but that night we had some free time. We ventured to La Jolla with another family there for the conference. I refused to leave San Diego without seeing a sunset over the Pacific!

La Jolla La Jolla seals La Jolla sunset La Jolla seagull La Jolla sunset La Jolla sunset On Sunday, I set up a table at SourceMart for my graphic design & web development. I got a great response. A lot of people showed interest, and hopefully I’ve gained some new clients from it. I’d love to just design logos and websites for consignment stores all the time!

Maggie at NARTS SourceMart Sunday night we went to Sea World. This was another event organized by NARTS. We had some time to explore the park, then we had a catered dinner and dance party. We ended the night watching the Shamu Rocks show. I wasn’t really impressed with Sea World, but I loved seeing the orcas – such beautiful animals!

San Diego Sea World flamingos San Diego Sea World NARTS Sea World dancing San Diego Sea World Shamu We flew home on Monday. SAD! I would have loved more time to explore San Diego/California. Luckily, the flights home allowed for some interesting sight-seeing. We flew over Hover Dam (bummed I didn’t have my camera handy to snap a picture), and we had a layover in Salt Lake City so I got to see the Great Salt Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats. And of course lots of mountains! I took a picture…totally random picture…of the mountains in Utah while we were flying over them, and my brother was actually able to identify the specific peaks in the photo. Crazy! So it ended up being a not-so-random picture of mountains.

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The Secondhand Shopaholic’s Shopping Guide: On The Purple Couch (Maryland)

Today I’m featuring On The Purple Couch on the blog because they will be celebrating their first year in business this coming Saturday, May 18th!

On The Purple Couch
A Consignment Experience
Location: 955 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Website: www.onthepurplecouch.com
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Houzz

On The Purple Couch
On The Purple Couch is a consignment boutique in Silver Spring, Maryland, but owner Bahia considers the boutique to be a consignment experience. Everything about the boutique—from the goods being sold to the décor to the layout of the space—is carefully curated to make the shopping experience easy, enjoyable, and renewing. The space is decorated with a relaxing color scheme and a minimalist floor design, making shoppers feel at home. As Bahia says, the goal is to “create a space that transcends the every day and gives our guest a chance to come in and take a deep breath and be transformed if only for a time.”

On The Purple Couch On The Purple Couch

On the Purple Couch, is not just a consignment store, it’s a store with a purpose and a mission—to reuse, renew and conserve. “ It’s a mix of my life and my experiences of living in some of the most beautiful places in the world and experiencing all of the sites, sounds and color combined with a passion for living and doing good in the world,” Bahia expresses.

Like many consignment and resale stores I’ve featured on the blog, The desire of On The Purple Couch is to provide quality secondhand clothing and furniture at a cost the average shopper—like you and me—can afford. They want to help us improve our self image and create a beautiful and unique living space for ourselves.

On The Purple Couch On The Purple Couch

Speaking of unique living spaces, On The Purple Couch is the stockist for Annie Sloan’s decorative Chalk Paint® in Silver Spring. They regularly have demos and workshops on how to repurpose and paint furniture using this fun product.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

On The Purple Couch has a caring heart not only for their shoppers, but for the community and those in need. They partner with the Tigerlily Foundation, which supports and provides services and programs to women under forty with cancer.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the Silver Spring area this Saturday, be sure to stop in and support On The Purple Couch between 10am and 5pm. There will be Chalk Paint workshops, door prizes, yummy treats, sales, and more. If you can’t make it this Saturday, I’m sure they would love for you to stop in next time you are in the area.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Good luck with your big day, On The Purple Couch, and congrats on one year in business!

And just a reminder,
If you have my blog bookmarked, be sure to change that bookmark to www.jalfrezi.com.

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The Secondhand Shopaholic’s Shopping Guide: Plum Consignment (Massachusetts)

If you live in or near Massachusetts, you’re in for a treat. For today’s shopping guide, I interviewed Pam, owner of Plum Consignment in Beverly, MA. Those photos alone should pique your curiosity…aren’t they gorgeous? The natural light in her store is AMAZING and I love the industrial (that pipe shelving!) and vintage mix of decor. I want whoever designed the space to design a studio for me! The events the store hosts sound like a ton of fun, and after this interview, I’m convinced it’d be hard for me to resist spending hundreds in her store. Be sure to check out some more photos of the store on their Facebook page. And now for the interview…

Plum Consignment
Address: 156 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Contact: (978)853-6623
Website: www.plumconsignment.com

1. Tell us a bit about you. Fun fact?

I love to shop for bargains, cannot put on eyeliner to save my life, cleaning relaxes me and will think of any excuse not to go to the gym.

2. Why did you decide to start a consignment store?

I was aggravated with the typical consignment shopping experience. I love finding bargains, but can’t stand having to dig through bins or racks of unsized, unorganized, outdated clothes. I wanted to create a unique consignment shopping experience different that what most people are used to. The shop is spotless (we promise no smell of moth balls or dust bunny sightings!), the racks are impeccably organized and the prices are amazing. I like to say that Plum has a boutique feel with thrift store pricing.

Plum Consignment, Beverly, MA
3. What’s the best part about your job?

I love meeting new people everyday and having conversations with my regular customers. It makes me happy that I’m helping people recycle and save money. I get just as excited about their bargain finds as they do. I love that people trust my opinion of how something looks on them, I never let anyone go home with something that doesn’t look awesome on them! Its not worth the sale if I know they won’t be happy with it once they get home.

4. What types and/or brands of things could a shopper find in your store?

You’d be likely to find such brands as J Crew, Banana Republic, Gap, Seven and more. We aren’t picky about brand name labels as long as it is in great condition and currently in style!

5. To give readers a better idea of what great things they can find, what is one (or some) of your favorite pieces in your store right now?

Jeans are always my favorite thing to find on consignment, we have a lot of designer jeans (Seven, Joes, Diesel, etc) priced at $30 each. We’ve been getting in a ton of adorable spring & summer dresses in amazing spring colors and patterns! I also love that we are lucky enough to feature handmade items (jewelry, greeting cards, hats, hair ties and headbands) made by local artists.

Plum Consignment, Beverly, MA
6. What is one thing that sets your store apart from the rest/makes it unique?

Plum Consignment has more of a boutique feel and focuses heavily on superior customer service. We host events at the shop such as jewelry and jean swap and “Advice” nights where people can scheuld short sessions with hair stylists and makeup artists.

7. What’s the best part about being in the location (city/state) your store is in?

We’re located on a street in downtown Beverly with 3 other consignment shops. It’s a great location because parking is fairly easy, theres tons of foot traffic and people make a day of shopping at all 4 of the stores, because no 2 are the same. The building we’re in was built 1908, so it still has a ton of great architecture and character – large windows, high ceilings, exposed brick, etc. It ties nicely into shops theme vintage/antique decor and what’s old is new again theme.

8. Quick! You have one minute to convince someone why they should start shopping secondhand…go!

The other day I wore an outfit that was purchased solely from second hand shops (Steve Madden boots, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Love on a Hanger tank, Ann Taylor cardigan, local boutique necklace) I roughly figured that it would have cost over $250 if I had purchased the items at their retail price. I paid just under $50 for everything!

9. Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, or blog where readers can learn more or stay informed about events, sales, etc.?

Website – plumconsignment.com
Facebook – facebook.com/PlumConsignment
Twitter – twitter.com/PlumBeverly
Pinterest – pinterest.com/plumbeverly
Instagram - instagram.com/plumconsignment
Yelp – yelp.com/biz/plum-consignment-beverly

Thanks Pam!

If you’d like to offer some input on locations (cities/states) I should cover in the future or if you are a resale store owner and would like your shop featured, please let me know in the comments.

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The Secondhand Shopaholic’s Shopping Guide: Tags (California)

This week’s shopping guide interview is with Tanya, owner of TAGS in Oakdale, California! TAGS has everything from basic wardrobe staples to totally eclectic pieces. They also carry home goods….it sounds like they have pretty much anything you could fathom – fun! In addition to the below interview, Tanya also shared some videos from the store’s earlier days. They’ve come a long way since then, Tanya laughs. Here is a news video from 2010 and another video of goings on at the store from 2011.

TAGS Consignment Oakdale CA

TAGS
A Funky, Chic Resale Boutique
Address: 1220 East F Street, Oakdale, CA 95361 (Cowboy Capital of the World!)
Contact: (209) 845-9312
Website: www.shoptags.net

1. Tell us a bit about you. Fun fact?

Since I can’t come up with a fun fact… How about a secret… I have always wanted to give acting a try! Or guilty pleasure: Can’t stop reading on my smart phone.

2. Why did you decide to start a consignment store?

VALUE!! Consignment works harder for the community, stretches your money, is green living at its best!! I was working long hours for other companies…and thought it was time to work for me. It will be 7 years October 2013.

3. What’s the best part about your job?

Putting the value back into underloved items!! The treasure hunt everyday! The community apsect of the job. There is a shared responsibility between the consignors and TAGS. It creates a comraderie that doesn’t always exsist in other businesses. Since unsold items go directly to local charities, there is an added layer of what our business and consignors bring to the community.

TAGs-2

4. What types and/or brands of things could a shopper find in your store?

TAGS is a brilliant to basics store!! That means we have an eclectic blend of merchandise…from coveted premier brands, to the best of the basics…we usually have it! If not, simply put it on the wish list that we have…and YES…we will call you.

Not only do we carry the brands that people love to find! We also have been known for some other things… spurs, stuffed pheasant, bar stools, rugs, chandliers, garden supplies, and more. Often times we tell consignors, if you don’t know just bring it in…WE LOVE to LOOK!

5. To give readers a better idea of what great things they can find, what is one (or some) of your favorite pieces in your store right now?

A set of yellow polka dot lawn chairs (vintage), Lucky NWT satchel, A carpet bag, True Religion Jeans, mens Chanel cologne, FAB!! pole dancing exercise dvd LOL!! Vintage fabric wallet…great!!

TAGs-4

6. What is one thing that sets your store apart from the rest/makes it unique?

MENS – Yes We have a great mens selection – shoes, suspenders, premium denim, favorite T’s and more!

7. What’s the best part about being in the location (city/state) your store is in?

Oakdale, CA is a great community to serve! They have embraced green living and have embraced TAGS with open arms. Oakdale is also a gateway community to the beautiful sierra nevada foothills and Yosemite.

8. Quick! You have one minute to convince someone why they should start shopping secondhand…go!

Love buying local? Want to save money, your time and the environment? Want real value with real service? Then start shopping second-hand!! When you buy second-hand…especially consignment, you HELP your neighbors, your community, and the environment.

TAGs-5

9. Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, or blog where readers can learn more or stay informed about events, sales, etc.?

Facebook

Website: www.shoptags.net

Twitter: @TanyaatTAGS

10. Any last comments?

I LOVE that we are a new store every 60 days!
We are so busy that we put merchandise out on the floor every hour!!

TAGs-3

Thanks Tanya!

If you’d like to offer some input on locations (cities/states) I should cover in the future or if you are a resale store owner and would like your shop featured, please let me know in the comments.

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The Secondhand Shopaholic’s Shopping Guide: Born Again (Idaho)

Meet Tara, owner of Born Again Resale & Consignment in Lewiston, Idaho! Tara emphasized one thing I love about consignment stores – she mentions how she helps her shoppers, interacts with their children, gets to know her customers, and even becomes their friends. Most consignment stores I’ve been too have a really friendly atmosphere, almost like shopping at a friend’s house rather than in a business. I think the casual, fun, and friendly atmosphere of secondhand stores is part of what makes them so wonderful. Keep reading to learn more about Tara and her consignment store that caters to the entire family!

Born Again Resale Lewiston ID

Born Again Resale & Consignment
Address: 538 Thain Rd, Lewiston ID 83501
Founded: 2004
Contact: (208) 746-4178
Website: www.bornagainresale.com

1. Tell us a bit about you. Fun fact?

Before I opened my store I was a surrogate mother twice!

2. Why did you decide to start a consignment store?

I shopped resale & consignment for myself when I was pregnant and for my children. I loved the idea and felt it would be a good match for our family, and something I would be good at.

Born Again Resale Lewiston ID
3. What’s the best part about your job?

I get to play with toys, hold babies, help women look their best on a budget, help teens find their fairytale-perfect Prom dress…what’s not to love?!

4. What types and/or brands of things could a shopper find in your store?

For kids we carry everything from the bargain brands (at an even better bargain than new!), trendy brands like Baby Gap & Gymboree, up to designer brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Lilly Pulitzer. We also carry many new products that cannot be found anywhere else; BabyLegs, RazBaby products, Moby Wraps, Happy Heinys cloth diapers, Preggie Pops & Drops, Teethifiers, and many locally handmade products.

For teens and women, we have basic brands to fit any budget, plus department store brands like Roxy, trendy brands like American Eagle and Hollister, plus all the great jeans brands like Rock Revival, Miss Me, Lucky, Silvers, and 7 for all Mankind.

Also, we have just received a large inventory of tuxedos for every guy in the family from 6 months up to a men’s 6X!

Born Again Resale Lewiston ID

5. To give readers a better idea of what great things they can find, what is one (or some) of your favorite pieces in your store right now?

We have some absolutely gorgeous sundresses in right now from JCrew, and I love that we have a great selection of hoodies year round from American Eagle, Abercrombie and Hollister. For kids, my faves at the moment are a rolling wood cart by Haba, a kid-size library cart from The Community, and lots of oh-so-cute summer outfits for both boys and girls.

Born Again Resale Lewiston ID

6. What is one thing that sets your store apart from the rest/makes it unique?

We are involved in many community events like Holiday Heroes (raises money for local food bank) and round-ups for other local charities (round your purchase up to the next dollar, difference goes to charity). The most common feedback we hear from our customers and consignors is that we are friendly, clean, organized, and only accept high quality items.

7. What’s the best part about being in the location (city/state) your store is in?

Being from San Diego, I absolutely LOVE living in a small town. It gives me the opportunity to really get to know people and interact with them on many levels, not just in my capacity as a store owner. My customers are also friends who I see at church, local charity events, at the grocery store and out to dinner!

8. Quick! You have one minute to convince someone why they should start shopping secondhand…go!

Why spend more? We have everything you’d find in your favorite brand stores at a fraction of the cost! For the price of a single pair of jeans at a mall store, you can buy a whole outfit at Born Again with items you can mix and match for even more fun. Plus, every time you buy a preloved item instead of new, you save the earth from the production and transportation pollution that new item puts out. Shopping preloved and shopping local just makes sense; for your wardrobe, for your budget, for the earth!

Born Again Resale Lewiston ID

9. Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, or blog where readers can learn more or stay informed about events, sales, etc.?

www.bornagainresale.com – current happenings in the store, how-to’s for selling and consigning with us

#/bornagainresale – always contests & events going on, get involved, win free stuff, see all the new inventory coming in!

pinterest.com/bornagainresale – who we are, what we do, fashion tips, skin care & makeup hints, ideas for organizing your wardrobe, plus a “Wish List” board for you to post those dream items you hope to find

bornagainresale.blogspot.com – stuff you’ve always wanted to know, fun facts, current events and more!

Born Again Resale Lewiston ID

10. Any last comments?

YOU are our most important priority! We are about customer service and bringing you what you want in an environment that is fun, relaxing, and easy to shop, with the confidence that comes from knowing that every item has been carefully examined, checked and rechecked so only the most fabulous items are waiting for you to discover!

Thanks Tara!

If you’d like to offer some input on locations (cities/states) I should cover in the future or if you are a resale store owner and would like your shop featured, please let me know in the comments.

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The Secondhand Shopaholic’s Shopping Guide: Repeat Street (Illinois)

For this week’s Secondhand Shopping Guide, we get to hear from Julie who opened her consignment boutique, Repeat Street, in 2003. She used to travel to other towns to shop secondhand, but eventually just decided to open her own store. Now she’s the only consignment store in Gurnee, Illinois! Way to solve that inconvenience! I’m sure Repeat Street is a huge asset to the area – the store looks like a really fun place to shop. Read on to learn more about Julie and her store.

Repeat Street Gurnee IL storefront

Repeat Street
Women’s & Children’s Consignment Boutique
Address: Riverside Plaza, 401 N Riverside Dr #26, Gurnee, IL 60031
Founded: 2003
Contact: (847)596-2203
Website: www.repeatstreet.com

1. Tell us a bit about you. Fun fact?

I’m a mom of 3, I love to read, travel, go to movies and plays. I ran in my first 5K this week [week of March 10th].

2. Why did you decide to start a consignment store?

I like to tell people I started my store out of laziness. After a years of working as a corporate project manager I found myself a stay at home mom to my 3 kids. To save money, I started shopping at thrift, resale, and consignment shops. I would drive to lots of stores in the surrounding towns. I would also find great buys to sell on Ebay. It became too much work for me to do the shopping, listing, and shipping. I thought it would be easier to open my own store in my town.

Repeat Street home accessories Gurnee IL
3. What’s the best part about your job?

The best part about my job is meeting new people every day. I have made amazing friends through my store. I’m so lucky!

4. What types and/or brands of things could a shopper find in your store?

At Repeat Street you can find a wide range of brands from mall brands – for kids – Gap, Gymboree; for Women – Banana Republic, White House Black Market, Coach; for Juniors – Pink, Hollister, Abercrombie. We also are lucky enough to get some boutique brands like Flowers by Zoe, Juicy Couture, St. John, Tory Burch, Burberry.

Repeat Street blue kids outfits Gurnee IL

5. To give readers a better idea of what great things they can find, what is one (or some) of your favorite pieces in your store right now?

Some of my favorite things in the store are a star sapphire ring from Rogers and Holldands; a Louis Vuitton purse (we only accept authentic bags); a custom made desk, bookcase, end table set; and a whole bunch of items from Crate and Barrell. We have so many things I love right now!

Repeat Street home accessories Gurnee IL

6. What is one thing that sets your store apart from the rest/makes it unique?

I think what sets me apart from other consignment shops in my area is that you never have to make an appointment to consign with us and we pay our consignors out in cash on demand. That means that when they have sold items, the money is available for them to pick up in cash whenever they want. They don’t have to wait until the end of their consignment period or until they reach some minimum balance they have on their account. Our customers love this about our shop.

7. What’s the best part about being in the location (city/state) your store is in?

Repeat Street is the only consignment shop in Gurnee. My location is great being right next door to Tacos El Norte. The shopping plaza is easy to get into and out of and there’s plenty of parking.

Repeat Street home accessories Gurnee IL

8. Quick! You have one minute to convince someone why they should start shopping secondhand…go!

Shopping consignment means getting the most value for your money. You can find the best brands at hugely discounted prices. You can often find items that are brand new with tags in consignment shops. Why pay full retail for anything you can get at a consignment or resale shop?

9. Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, or blog where readers can learn more or stay informed about events, sales, etc.?

We post daily updates on our facebook page – #/repeatstreet. You can also get more information about us from our website at www.repeatstreet.com.

Repeat Street home accessories Gurnee IL

10. Any last comments?

I often say it’s like Christmas every day at Repeat Street – You never know what you’re going to find. We put out hundreds of new items every single day, so it’s never the same shop twice.

Thanks Julie!

If you’d like to offer some input on locations (cities/states) I should cover in the future or if you are a resale store owner, please let me know in the comments or go enter your location in this poll .

 

 

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The Secondhand Shopaholic’s Shopping Guide: Revente (South Carolina)

This week’s Secondhand Shopping Guide interview is with Debbie, owner of Revente, a consignment shop in South Carolina. My mom has actually known Debbie through NARTS for many years now, so I’m excited to be spotlighting a familiar name. I really enjoyed looking through the photos on Revente’s Facebook page (this picture/quote is funny…and so true!), so now I need an excuse to travel to South Carolina! :D Read on to learn more about this store.

Revente widow South Carolina Consignment Store

Revente
Boutique & designer labels at resale prices!
Address: 737 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205
Founded: 1992
Contact: (803) 256-3076
Website: www.shoprevente.com

1. Tell us a bit about you. Fun fact?

I worked in “regular retail” from 1972-1992.

2. Why did you decide to start a consignment store?

I did not want to own my inventory and saw the way retail was headed.

3. What’s the best part about your job?

It keeps me young!

4. What types and/or brands of things could a shopper find in your store?

Ann Taylor – Louis Vuitton on consignment, new accessories & jewelry from NYC

Revente Tory Burch outfit, South Carolina

5. To give readers a better idea of what great things they can find, what is one (or some) of your favorite pieces in your store right now?

St John Couture Chanel style jacket

6. What is one thing that sets your store apart from the rest/makes it unique?

Longevity – opened in 1992, and customer service.

7. What’s the best part about being in the location (city/state) your store is in?

Oldest shopping village in town – Five Points, just a few blocks from USC

8. Quick! You have one minute to convince someone why they should start shopping secondhand…go!

Do you have any idea how much this originally retailed for????

Revente handbag wall, South Carolina

9. Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, or blog where readers can learn more or stay informed about events, sales, etc.?

Website: www.shoprevente.com
Facebook: #/revente
Twitter: @msrevente
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/msrevente

10. Any last comments?

Resale Beats Retail!

Thanks Debbie!

If you’d like to offer some input on locations (cities/states) I should cover in the future or if you are a resale store owner, please let me know in the comments or go enter your location in this poll .

 

 

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The Secondhand Shopaholic’s Shopping Guide: Honey Bump Maternity (Utah)

Meet Honey Bump Maternity in Layton, Utah! This is the fourth interview in the Secondhand Shopping Guide series. I interviewed Nicole, who introduced me to her unique store catering specifically to new and expectant mothers. When she herself struggled to find cute and affordable maternity wear, she decided it was time to open her own store. Read on to find out more about this awesome resale boutique!

honeybump2

Honey Bump Maternity
Recycled fashion for the kid in you!
Address: 1155 N. Main St. #4, Layton, UT 84041
Founded: 2010
Contact: (801) 444-0900
Website: www.honeybumpmaternity.com

1. Tell us a bit about you. Fun fact?

I’m a crazy second hand shopper. Few things excite me more than finding a great bargain!

2. Why did you decide to start a consignment store?

I had always wanted to own a second hand shop since I was 17. It was only during my last pregnancy that a light bulb went off in my head…a resale maternity and nursing boutique… Really…YES!

3. What’s the best part about your job?

I struggled with myself about returning to work after I had my baby. I could not leave him… Now I never have to. Aside from that, I love to hear the delight from customers who realize what a great little business we are. Not only the merchandise and prices, but the support we provide during pregnancy into breastfeeding and classes we provide such as cloth diapering.

4. What types and/or brands of things could a shopper find in your store?

We specialize in trendy maternity and nursing clothing and accessories. We also sell natural body products for moms and baby, cloth diapers, baby carriers, teething necklaces, and we’re always adding new items to the mix.

5. To give readers a better idea of what great things they can find, what is one (or some) of your favorite pieces in your store right now?

My most favorite item is the Undercover mama. A local mommy owned company with a product that is the most useful thing I have ever owned for breastfeeding.

6. What is one thing that sets your store apart from the rest/makes it unique?

So many different things but the one that stands out the most – there is no other maternity specific resale store in the state of Utah.

honeybump4
7. What’s the best part about being in the location (city/state) your store is in?

Utah has the highest fertility rate in the nation. We have lots of babies which means we have a really big mommy community and we love working together.

8. Quick! You have one minute to convince someone why they should start shopping secondhand…go!

Gone are the days when second hand shopping was only for those who couldn’t afford new. Second hand shopping is the smarter thing to do!
Save the planet, save your money, what else is there to say?

9. Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, or blog where readers can learn more or stay informed about events, sales, etc.?

Website: http://honeybumpmaternity.com
Facebook: #/HoneyBumpMaternity

honeybump5
Thanks Nicole!

If you’d like to offer some input on locations (cities/states) I should cover in the future or if you are a resale store owner, please let me know in the comments or go enter your location in this poll .

 

 

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The Secondhand Shopaholic’s Shopping Guide: Encore Resale (Ohio)

This week for the Secondhand Shopping Guide series, we’re going to Ohio. Paula, owner of Encore Resale in Canton, Ohio, is sharing a glimpse of her fun and fashion-filled shop. The history of her store is really interesting, and I love that her 92-year-old mother still works there – that’s love and dedication! Her business just started a really unique venture in the world of resale. Read on to find out more! :)

Encore Resale
Resale Shoppe for Designer and Better Women’s & Men’s Fashions
Address: 4125 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, Ohio 44709
Founded: 1973
Contact: (330)492-7004
Website: www.encoreresalefashions.com

1. Tell us a bit about you. Fun fact?

We are Encore Resale Fashions in Canton, Ohio. Thank you for allowing us to share our resale journey of 40 plus years. In addition, we are just introducing our newest venture in the world of resale, Encore on Wheels. We are providing a traveling fashion show and shopping market (boutique style) to the senior citizen market. We travel to the senior independent and assisted living centers by appointment. So far the reviews are encouraging beyond our original projections.

encore_storefront

2. Why did you decide to start a consignment store?

Forty years ago, two sisters, Ruthmary and Joyce, decided to start a consignment store. Both their husbands were accounting types and required the girls to have a projected sales and expense plan. Their claim to fame as has been told at each and every family gathering for decades goes like this: They both ponied up $500.00 and recovered their individual investment PLUS before they opened the doors for business. People in the community who did NOT receive a letter introducing the store and asking for consignments wondered WHY their clothes were not GOOD enough for the new consignment store. We continue to operate in the pay as you go fashion and it makes for many sleep-filled nights.

My mother says my aunt started in business because she liked to wallpaper. The old house on the main drag they choose to locate in had several walls in need of pretty coverings. This is the original creator of the resale phrase, “if it is so so, say no no”. Way to go Aunt Joyce, many quote your original thoughts and you have created a great standard to help the intake of inventory process. My mom says this was her retirement job, and at 92 can still can be seen selling in the store every weekend and entertaining all those who come in contact with the 92 year old, 5’0″ in her 4 inch heels (really) and 98 pounds.

encore_owners

3. What’s the best part about your job?

The absolute best part of this job is the joy it provides to so many. We say “Experience Encore” and see what the buzz is all about! A reality show about the inner worlds of shopping should be shot in a busy consignment/resale store because there is no better way to demonstrate the real world of shopping like this 2nd tier industry. The icing on the cake is that we can make a green living and be a proud member of the community in which we serve.

4. What types and/or brands of things could a shopper find in your store?

Encore’s niche is selection. We carry Ralph Lauren, Jones, NY and Co. Tan Jay, Peter Nigard, Coldwater Creek, St. John’s, Saks, Coach, LV, Target, J.Crew etc.etc.etc. We bill ourselves as a clothing and department store, and if somebody wanted a size 10 black trouser, they would likely have 10 choices of manufacturers/label/designers to select from.

Encore also carries a wide product category. We are an excellent source for new bridal gowns with wallet friendly prices. Also, we carry several rooms of business and casual attire for men, women, and junior shoppers.

encore_jewelry

8. Quick! You have one minute to convince someone why they should start shopping secondhand…go!

Experience Encore. We love selling and recycling clothes and accessories. We continue to search for the best way to make our customers and consignors come in for fun and fashion. As a result, we operate a fun retreat for clothing and accessories searches.

encore_staff

9. Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, or blog where readers can learn more or stay informed about events, sales, etc.?

Website: www.encoreresalefashions.com
Facebook: #/encoreresalefashions

10. Any last comments?

With 25,000 resale/thrift/consignment stores in our country, Encore welcomes the growing and new way to shop and save for current fashion trends at yesterday’s prices. We are proud to have grown up in the pioneer time of resale, but we are much more excited about the fact that we are still in business serving our customers and consignors and….God- willing, we will continue to thrive as we serve the clothing needs of the present and future recycling shoppers.

Thanks Paula!

If you’d like to offer some input on locations (cities/states) I should cover in the future or if you are a resale store owner, please let me know in the comments or go enter your location in this poll .

 

 

Posted in SHOPPING | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Responses

  • Hey! I'm Maggie, a graphic designer, crafter, devoted secondhand shopper, Doctor Who fanatic, and dog-lover. Stick around and explore!


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