Click here to subscribe today or Login.
LUZERNE — Crystal Elko brings a large bag of clothing into My Sister’s Closet. As owner Karen Brown goes through the items, Elko browses throughout the store looking over the new spring merchandise. “This has become like a one-stop shopping trip for me,” she said proudly as she collects $300.
She moves around the store ready to make her purchases with her newfound money.
For seven years, Elko has been in on a little-known secret that you can both save and make a lot of money by trading in clothes and making purchases at consignment shops. She heard about consignment shopping from a friend, whose outfit she admired, and found shopping and trading in items was easier. Now she purchases clothing for her daughter Natalia, 6, on consignment as well.
Consignment shopping is more popular than ever, according to Brown, who runs five family-owned consignment shops in Luzerne — My Sister’s Closet, Rumor Has It, Plaid & Sequins, John’s Consignment Shop and Rumor Has It Dress Boutique.
And people are not just buying gently used clothing, they are cleaning out their closets and selling them to the stores, becoming official consigners.
The reason for the big switch from department stores and boutiques to consignment shops could be the monetary savings. But it could also be the big selection of items readily available, many still with the original tags on the items.
“You know what they say about somebody’s trash being somebody else’s treasure,” said Brown, who has been in the consignment business since 1993.
“It’s just made my shopping and my daughter’s a lot easier now,” Elko said. “I’m definitely saving money and picking up more unique items.”
Consignment shopping has become popular with people of all ages, sizes and fashion tastes. Even men — the last holdout — are hopping on the consignment bandwagon.
“Men are just coming into their own,” Brown said. “It has taken them a while. Sometimes the wives or girlfriends will bring in items for them. It’s probably because men tend to have the same shirt in their closet for 10 years and women look to update their closet every season.”
But consignment should not be confused with thrift store shopping, in which many items sell for less money, but are not as carefully selected by the shop’s owner. And people donating thrift store items are not paid for their donations. Another difference is the consignment stores have a boutique atmosphere.
“Many people bring in items in such good shape that they look like new,” Brown said. “It’s definitely different than items which are donated to Goodwill and are brought in thrown into a garbage bag and are all wrinkled.”
Consignment owners have strict policies for items they accept, Brown said. One major rule, the items must look pristine and they must be name brand. “It’s all about the label,” she said, noting the most popular brands are Talbots, J. Crew, Chico’s and Diane von Furstenburg.
Clothing, such as sweaters, pants, skirts, blazers and blouses, tops the list of most popular consignment items. Other items are scarves, shoes and purses.
For those who want to clean out their closets for spring, items must be less than four years old, name brand only and in clean condition. Brown refuses items that have a mildew or cigarette smoke odor or are torn and stained. The spring season runs from January through July.
The deal is 50-50, with consignment shop getting half and the consigner getting the other half of what is sold. The first step is to make an appointment with the consignment owner. On that day, bring in at least 10 items. The consignment owner will give an inventory list of what was brought in. She will carefully go over the items to ensure they are clean.
Brown usually recommends a client leave the item up for sale for at least 30 days. At the end of the wait period or season, The store owner will tell the consigner what was earned. Payment is made in cash, check or an account to spend on items at the store.
There used to be a stigma associated with buying any type of clothing not sold in a traditional department store or boutique.
“I hate to admit it that I was one of those people,” Elko said. “I was a little bit snobby about it, but once I saw the good condition the clothes were in, I changed my mind. Now, I’m not afraid to tell others where I buy my clothes. I’m proud to show everyone what a good deal I got.”