I know this probably won’t come as a surprise to many of my wonderful readers, but it seems that consignment shopping is increasing with our economic woes. Really?! Well, I’ve been doing it for a long time, so I guess folks are getting smarter and realizing how much further their dollar will stretch at the consignment and thriftstores. I’m talking mostly clothes now and we have a number of new upscale clothing consignment stores that have opened in my area.
This recent article in our Birmingham paper, summed it up this way:
The National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops recently released a survey with store owners citing an average spring sales increase of 30% over the same time in 2007. One of our local furniture consignment shops, Consigning Interiors, said their increase is more like 40-50%,with new clients contacting him every day.
About 80% of the store owners in the survey reported more new customers, and 65% reported more new consignment sellers. Many customers sell what their children have outgrown, then shop the store for winter or Holiday outfits.
Everybody is looking at what they can do to cut some money from their budgets and this is one way they can cut down on spending, but still get clothes. People still want to go to their parties, but they are trying to find a more economical way to do it. By and large, this industry is a depression and recession friendly business. It is advantageous for the seller as well as the buyer.
So, how about you, my sweet readers? Do you shop for clothes (or furniture/accessories) at consignment or thriftstores (or yardsales)? If you read my blog, you will know that I am not too proud to wear second-hand clothes and wallow in a good deal on designer duds. In fact, it thrills me to no end, like when I scored on all those clothes from my neighbor, who has her own upscale consigment store. I asked her if business was picking up and she indicated that it was for her too. Sounds like from the article that women selling clothes is also picking up. An easy way to make a quick few bucks perhaps.
I know some girls turn up their nose at the idea of second hand clothes…but many of you probably love it as much as I do.
Yes or no on buying or selling second hand clothing?
Be sure to come back on Monday. I’ve got the new guestroom all ready for viewing and y’all will be the first to see it! I have to say…I love it! 
Yeah, I’m the first! You know me, consignment and resale are all I wear…. and I get a lot of complements too.. the only problem with the rise in resale shopping, is I noticed everything is so much more picked over!
A big “YOU BET”! I’ve been buying from garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment stores all of my life. I inherited the second hand gene from my mother. When I was growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money for basics, not to mention luxury items. We made ends meet by buying second hand. I have a better life now, but it is probably due to my frugal ways. I just can’t bring myself to pay full price for something that I can buy for a fraction. Even my friends ask me to be on the look out for things they need. I see nothing wrong in wearing used clothing as long as it is laundered well. I think there will be many more people out there at GS’s and TS’s now. Get ready for more competition for those bargains we love!
Ah, dear Rho- if only we all were blessed with your tall stature and willowy form! I’ll bet you find a lot of goodies that fit! I definitely check out shops that consign clothing, but mainly donate stuff, and it’s mostly to interiors consignment shops. Trying to get rid of stuff someone else may need! Have noticed a lot more of these shops popping up here. Some are fussy about the clothing being newish- one shop will not accept items older than one year, and that limits the neat vintage stuff, which I much prefer!
Rhoda~ you are such a delight!
I grew up wearing my sister’s hand-me-downs. I’m not proud!
I’m not so much into the consignment stores for clothes, but love the furniture and accessory stores. I do shop very frugally for new clothes, however. Sally
I’m not against thrift/resale shopping…I’ve just never found one that I really like. I usually buy new but ALWAYS on sale. Half the fun is the bargain! I can’t resist saying I got something for $4.00!!
Is there some other way to shop? Can’t wait to see your guestroom. laurie
Absolutely! We recently had to renew our homeowners insurance and were discussing the coverage of our posessions should something happen. My husband said the insurance only reimburses the depreciated value of items. I laughed and said everything in our house is depreciated…it’s all second hand!
-Hayley
Forgot to say that I also consign and buy from an upscale clothing consignment shop in our town. It’s where I went first to find a cocktail dress for an upcoming cruise. You just can’t afford to buy things like that at full price. Most of them have only been worn once too.
-Hayley
I have long been a second hand shopper! I love the thrill of finding a deal.
I also wanted to say in the past two years I have found something else that makes me just as happy as finding a deal. I give all of my kids clothes and my clothes through our local Freecycle. I used to have garage sales to make a little extra money. Yet, with three small children, all that work, and little pay off it wasn’t worth it.
Giving our gently used clothes to families that really need it makes my day. And I am sure it makes their day too. This fall I gave five sacks full of clothes to one young mother. She emailed me back to tell me that I must have given her some wrong sacks because their was some very nice name brand clothes in there. I told her no, the clothes don’t fit and they were now hers. She couldn’t believe it and was so appreciative.
So, if you don’t have time for a garage sale or can’t get to a donation center, try Freecycle. It’s worth it!
Oh yes I’m with ya girl! I’m not too good to wear second hand clothes! In fact one of the cruises our family of 4 was on I noticed at the formal dinner that we were all dressed in clothes from thrift/consignment stores…and we looked great! Spent about $40 on the clothes for all 4 of us!
I always gone to resale, consignment,thrift, garage, antique stores, when girls were small, I bought baby things and clothes, they grow so fast. Then I was, had more money than time, Bad to say, but on road for 5 years. I found chico’s, most of my clothes come from. But went to denist and there was a consignment shop, opened, I checked it out, As I walk in the lady says, Oh you have on chico’s, and led me to the racks, All looked new, and my weakness is their jewelry, I did not buy, but I would, now I have more Time than money. I have been home 2 and half years. Most of my the things in my home came from one shop or another. On the road, I hit them for things, I could ship home, or stack into the motor home.
I posted an article like this on my blog a few weeks ago. Very interesting, isn’t it?! I’ve noticed, like another commenter said, things are a lot more picked over now.
I have no problem buying thrift/consignment clothes. Once they are washed/dry cleaned, it doesn’t really matter. I’ve found some cute stuff, and some great boots the other day.
YES on thrifting!!
It’s the thrill of the hunt as much as the find… 🙂
I mostly shop for household items, but do buy some clothing from thrift stores, etc. I mainly buy my clothes on clearance…very rarely do I pay full price for anything.
I am all for second hand clothes..or hand me downs as we call it. I love them..Jeans from the thrift store are the best, cause they are soft and broken in 😉
Alot of times, I can find my size better in a thrift store. I used to buy lots of my maternity clothes from there too. I also got a boat load of mat. clothes off ebay. Great deals!
No, I don’t buy a lot of second hand clothing but I’m not against it. Around here if you go to yard sales the clothes have seen their better days if ya know what I mean. I love going to the store and getting a great bargain. I mostly look for household things when I’m looking at second hand. Now if I spotted something nice to wear second hand then YES I would buy it :o) Perhaps I need to come visit you this summer for all those great finds!
I love consignment shops best of all. Why should I pay full break the bank prices when I can get great stuff for a fraction of the price. I’d love to go Thrifting with you!
hugs
Sandi
I love going to thrift stores, consignment shops, and rummage sales. I go to look for decorating items but if I see cute clothes I’ll definitely check them out. Can’t pass up a good bargain!
A few years ago I started selling my girls clothing and toys at consignment sales around our town.
One year I made over $700.00, I’m not kidding. That was the year I really cleaned out. Now I make around $200 every spring and summer.
I just found a thrift store about 20 minutes from me.
I found a skirt that still had the tag on it. The price was $99.00 if I had gotten it at the store I paid $11.00 at the thrift store.
I have gotten name brand jeans in great shape for under $4.00.
As I type this now I’m wearing a cute top I got for $2.00. The other day I went out in my thrift store clothes and was so happy I had got a deal and no one knew my clothes came from a thrift store.
Oh and while living in Atlanta did you ever go to the Bargainata?
My husband went once and got three name brand suits hardly worn for $50.00. They also have woman items also.