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! 
When I think of shopping I automatically think of thrift stores, consignment shops and the Goodwill. My little girls wear ADORABLE clothing and 90% of it is second hand. Love, love, love finding a deal!
I love consignment and thrift stores. Clothes, home decor, shoes…whatever. Once I considered opening a consignment shop. I would probably go broke though, buying up all the stock..lol.
Can’t wait for that reveal Rhoda.
Lisa
I am never too proud to purchase items at consignment shops or thrift stores. My only problem is sometimes I can spend too much because the deals are so great. So I have to stop and talk to myself, “Do I really need another pair of black pants? You already have two!”
Rhoda, I wanted to tell you my husband has been flying into Alabama each week for a few days a week to check out the project he’s overseeing at Alagasco. He said the weather has been beautiful. Lucky you.
Blessings,
Sher
Oh yes…certainly. I am a huge donator to the stores and a purveyor too!
We have quite a few…I always jump up and down a little when I find a great Eileen Fisher ensemble for pennies on the dollar!!
Funny cartoon picture Rhoda!
We’ve done consignment, resale, thrift store and yardsale shopping for years. Secondhand clothing doesn’t bother us.
When Kim was in college, during the 1980’s, she loved dressing like Diane Keaton, in Annie Hall. She put together the cutest outfits from a charity resale shop, here in town. She still shops these shops and so does Miss Xanti, who loves vintage. And will not pay retail.
We alway donate to the shop, here in town. It benefits a mental health agency in our county and a couple others. They’re always happy to see our bits and pieces.
I say yes to shopping at consignment stores. Nothing wrong with that!
I do both! I have always loved a good bargain!
We definitely wear clothes from thrift stores and yard sales. I rarely shop at consignment stores for clothes because I’m so spoiled with the cheaper prices at yard sales and thrift stores. We have 8children still living at home. We receive lots of compliments on how nicely dressed everyone is. I’ve already purchased everyone’s outfits for the Christmas season and it cost less than $50 for all of us. It also helps buying off season.
When my youngest daughter and son outgrow their clothes, I pass them along to a freecycler or another big family.
I’ve noticed our thrift stores are much busier than they used to be too.
I love to get a deal and I always shop the sales. Nothing thrills me more than getting something L'cheapo. But I haven't tried consignment for clothes.
I donate quite a bit to our Goodwill and Big Brother & Big Sister I think everyone should.
Looking forward to Monday Rho,
Take care,
Kathy 🙂
Yeah, I am a garage sale diva! I love it. I haven’t found a thrift store that I really love. I don’t seem to have much luck with our local Goodwill store, but I keep trying! I mainly buy house “stuff” but I buy clothes too when they have my size (which they rarely do) Have a great weekend!
I don’t buy a lot of consignment clothes because it’s just hard to find things that fit. I did buy two dresses at Goodwill this summer for $5.00 each and they were perfect. Black small print, sleeveless, lined and silky fabric. Great deal. You’ve encouraged me to look a little closer at clothes.
Gretchen
I am sure you already know my answer (if you read my blog) I love to buy and I also consign. Its a vicious cyle with me…but one where I am rarely out any money because in with the old which seems new…out with the old…
Oh, I love the cartoon – it is so me! I don't even go in places intending to come out with something. Like today, I went in a consignment store & came out with $70 of stuff. I guess I just need to stay home b/c I'm out of control!
I see no problem with it. My younger son wears leftovers that have survived from my older son. No one would ever even know they were hand me downs.
Recycle & Reuse! You betch-ya . Im all for it!
The reason I love your blog is it inspires me to do awesome things with consignment shop and thrift shop and flea finds
As a consignment shop mananger I have found a dramatic increase in shoppers and consignors in the last few months.
There are some really great goodies to be found in consignment shops and with some creativity and “spray paint” you can make them your own.
Love your blog!
I have three growing girls, and I primarily shop at thrift stores for clothing/decoritive items. The secret is to buy brand names so you’re getting quality along with a good deal!
I haven’t ever purchased second hand clothes, but I also don’t buy anything expensive and I only own a few outfits. I’m very frugal about what I buy and how much. But, I have 3 kids and their needs come before mine. We do have a resale shop that just opened for furniture and I’m planning a trip there very soon.
I love thrifting for furniture. Not so much on clothes, though a friend of mine has found WONDERFUL things including a gorgeous dress she loaned me when I was in between sizes and didn’t want to buy something for a party. I used to give my clothes to charity, and I give some of my other items to a church thrift shop or the Salvation Army. I probably ought to consign things. Not sure where to start, though.
Sheila
Second hand jeans are the BEST. When I was in high school and college, the coolest thing was a great pair of vintage Levi’s! Now, I love all my consignment and thrift stores!
My favorite scores though, still would have to be furniture. Jaime and I love a day in the studio fixing them up:)
Can’t wait to see the room!! I do second hand shopping on jewelry and home decor. I love the old vintage pieces!