Why Charleston Women are choosing sustainability over fast fashion.
Who doesn’t love finding a treasure? That’s just what happens at a consignment shop. You might not even be looking for it, but it’s likely you are going to find something surprising. Plus, you’re saving money — and the planet — while you’re at it. What could be better?
Laura LeaMond Nielson is a frequent consignment shopper. She admits she isn’t always in the store to buy. Sometimes it’s just to explore. “It’s the excitement of it,” she said. But there’s also an eco-friendly component.
Nielson explained, “The younger generation is tuned into a sustainability mindset and environmental awareness – no ‘fast fashion’ from websites that sell trendy but cheap clothes not made of good material. And today not only is the stigma of shopping at consignments gone, now it’s the opposite — and cool. It’s a fun way to shop!”
THE THRILL OF DISCOVERY
Nielson said a “fun store” when she’s looking for something unique is Reinvented. “It’s rather eclectic and packed to the gills. Somebody’s always there to happily greet you. And they have a weekly Facebook Live broadcast where followers tune in for a QVC-style event. An employee showcases a particular item and talks to you about the piece like you’re a friend. A viewer can purchase it right on the spot, without even having to leave home.”
To vary the inventory and keep things moving, many consignment stores reduce the price of an item if it hasn’t sold in 30 days. According to Nielson, that “constant funnel of things” is another attraction.
BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
A shop with a long history of success is Classic Consignments. Co-owner Jena Purcell said some of her customers have shopped there for 30 years. She credits much of her store’s success to its diverse group of consignors. That translates into an inventory with a variety of brands, styles and sizes.
“We have everything from jeans and athletic wear to designer fashions. We can appeal to different age groups and not just one generation. Everyone is happy because we have every-thing,” Purcell said. A bonus for regular shoppers is that they get a frequent shopper card and earn $20 off their purchase. Purcell believes that another plus is the flexibility her store offers to consignors. “No appointment is necessary, and they can just drop in when it’s convenient for them.”
BEYOND CLOTHING
In addition to clothing, some consignment shops also sell housewares and home furnish-ings. Seana Flynn, the owner of Consign Charleston, explained that having 36,000 square feet allows her business to operate as a department store. “Here, you will find everything you need – and then some,” she said.
The store even has a professional interior decorator on hand to set up displays that are not only attractive but ease the shopping experience through visual organization. Flynn is also committed to the eco-friendly philosophy of “keeping as much as possible out of the landfill and encouraging the younger generation to focus on quality rather than quantity.”
“Sustainability is our main focus,” she said. Who says we can’t save the earth — and have fun doing it?
CHARLESTON’S TOP CONSIGNMENT SHOPS:
- Butterly Consignment Boutique
- Classic Consignments
- Consigning Women
- Ensemble Consignment Boutique
- Jolie Luxury Consignment
- Reinvented Update Resale
By Mary Coy