Consignment stores offer great finds and designer items for less.
In addition, to loving the search for different and usual pieces of clothing, my daughter enjoys making her clothing budget stretch even further by
searching the area Consignment store. When she was younger, I swapped new and used clothing with several children consignment stores for she was growing fast. Now it seams, the Consignment stores have taken on an entirely different purpose ….more like a consignment boutique with high end used clothing on a shore string budget.
I have come to appreciate consignment shops since moving to Howard County ten plus years ago. The stores are no longer just “thrift stores” where donated items are sold, usually by a charity such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. I have on occasion found a bargain in their racks and shelves but be carefully to check and recheck your selections for damage, stains and wear. Consignment shops are a different shopping and selling experience. Last year my daughter was Sleeping Beauty for Halloween and we found the PERFECT pink long dress at Keley’s ….she has promised to wear it this year to Prom when she goes. The selections of dresses were amazing and know the dress was around $50 and probable only worn once for a few hours make it a good purchase.
The first difference is that in consignment shops is that proceeds of the sale go to the owner of the garment while the shop keeps a commission. Consignment shops are a great way to clear out items from the closet that haven’t been worn in year or more. Item are kept for 30 to 60 days in most shops and those that don’t sell are returned to the owner. Some shop will take periodic marks downs so be sure to carefully check the store’s policies.
The second difference is that consignment shops are often more discriminating the items they will sell. Some stores will only accept designer or luxury brands. Items must also be in like new condition and completely free of defects, stains and wear. Some shops require that items be dry cleaned.
That all gives the savvy shopper the opportunity to score a real bargain. I’ve gone in to consignment shops and found clothing, purses and shoes from Coach, Betsy Johnson, Michael Kors, and other well know designers and brands. Lux goods are often found at 50 percent off retail and you would never know that had been pre-owned.
Consignment stores are a good place to shop for special event clothing as well. Have a wedding or reunion to attend you may be able to find that high end cocktail dress you’ve been coveting. Prom season is a great time hit the local consignment shops. If you are concerned about wearing some several seasons old ask the staff about their policies. Many store only stock items from the previous year.
Children’s clothing and baby are another popular consignment item. Children out-grow clothing so quickly it is possible to find upscale items which have very little use. Do be cautious about purchasing used car seats as they do have an expiration date.
Here is a short list of consignment shops we like in and around Howard County. Do you know of others that do a great job? If so let me know and I’ll re-post.
Kelsey’s Kloset
11200 Scaggesville Rd (on the NW corner of Rt 29 and Rt 216)
Laurel (Maple Lawn)
Plato’s Closet
5100 Buckeystown Pike # 163
Frederick, MD 21704 (there is also one in Glen Burnie and Towson)
Dora’s Closet
81 Mellor Avenue
Catonsville, Maryland 21128
