Consignment shops seem to be popping up all over the South Coast. What was once as taboo as online dating is now not just socially acceptable but, all the rage.
When we hear “consignment,” we think of clothing. But it’s more than that.
In Mattapoisett
I visited a new upscale shop, Modern Exchange, which offers savvy shoppers the chance to pick up designers duds, purses, shoes and accessories at a fraction of the retail cost.
Shop owner Laura Carpentier always wanted to own a consignment store and the opportunity seemed ripe for the picking this summer. Her new store shows she certainly has an eye for fashion.
Her display mannequins are dressed to the nines, the clothing is seasonal, the styles are current and the inventory is offered in women’s size 0-18. Her biggest sellers? “I’d have to say handbags. It’s a great way to own a designer bag without the designer price.”
Modern Exchange accepts consignments on an appointment only basis and Carpentier currently has approximately 40 consignees.
Items need to be in excellent condition and what hasn’t sold after sixty days can be picked up or she will donate it to charity. It helps to keep the inventory fresh and is a great way to recycle unused clothes and accessories.
The house keeps 60% of the sale price and the consignee takes home 40% – a pretty good deal for things you weren’t using any longer.
Modern Exchange is located at 67 County Road in Mattapoisett. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30-4; Thursdays 9:30-6 and Saturday 9-1. Call 508-758-4500 and visit www.ModernExchangeShop.com
A quick hop to Fairhaven
Seconds Count! has been in business for 20 years. Current owner, Sue Katner, credits a few things to the longevity streak.
“We are a family consignment store and carry something for everyone.”
Seconds Count! doesn’t boast one specialty item, but sells clothing for infants, men, women, boys and girls as well as maternity clothes, baby equipment, home décor, handbags and an increasingly popular large jewelry display.
Sizes range from 0-2XL and will fit ages newborn to 90. Katner says that customers are most surprised by the size of the store, the quality items and the special customer service offered by the staff.
Consignors need to set up an account by appointment and drop off in-season items during designated times. They enjoy 40% of the sale price of their items.
Seconds Count! is located at 270 Huttleston Avenue in Fairhaven. Shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9-4:30 and Thursday 9-7:30. Call 508-991-2229 and find them on Facebook.
Now to Swansea
Sak’s Consignments enjoys a steady stream of both shoppers and consignees. Shop owner Ilaine Bednarik accepts clothing and accessories on a walk in basis – no appointment necessary.
The maximum pieces she accepts at one time is eight, keeping her inventory constantly changing. Her store boasts styles to suit customers ages 18-80 and sizes 0-22. She doesn’t carry maternity or men’s clothing.
Sak’s sells the current season’s clothing and accessories and currently has lots of winter wear and boots, Vera Bradley, Gucci and Coach handbags. Consignees enjoy 40% of the sale price of their items and are required to pick up unsold items after 60 days. Unsold and unclaimed items are donated to area shelters for homeless women.
Closet cleanout program
Sak’s Consignments offers a unique program as a way to build their inventory and help those a little less motivated in the cleaning out closets department: they will come to you!
Bednarik will go to a client’s closet in search of inventory that she is fairly certain will sell in her shop. She will take more than the eight item drop off limit of in-season clothes. Consignees take 20% of the sale price and items need to be picked up after 30 days.
Sak’s Consignment is at 147 Swansea Mall Drive #4 in Swansea. Store hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30-5; Thursday and Friday 9:30-7 and Saturday 9:30-5:30. Call 508-730-2211 and find them on Facebook.
More stores
get all of the details in the November edition of South Coast Insider
