Q & A

jodie mclaughlin

An ad-hoc interview WHY CONSIGNMENT / RESALE? Saavy fashionistas everywhere know that secret thrill of finding that fabulous piece that will be the envy of all their friends. They know the value of consignment shopping and the economic and environmental concerns of recycling. Frequent visitors can snag high end labels like Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, and Prada, as well as turning some of the contents of their own closets into cash. WHAT ARE YOUR HOTTEST SELLERS? By far, designer handbags, jewelry, and furs. Louis Vuitton and Chanel are the most in demand. Vintage costume jewelry is HUGE. And, full length black minks are so hot right now. We LOVE them! WHAT’s THE SPLIT? Consignors get 40% of the selling price of their goods. A great alternative to donating and getting nothing! HOW MUCH DO YOUR SHOPPERS SAVE? It depends on the item. Savings range anywhere from 90% to 40% off retail. A lot of our items still have the original tags so it is easy to see your savings. What criteria do you use when looking to accept someone’s clothes? We accept items no more than a 2 to 3 years old for the main level, OR for the vintage level, vintage designer / couture (which is from the 1900’s through 1970’s, some 1980’s), or made by couture designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. Everything must be showroom-ready = freshly cleaned, no snags, tears, rips, missing parts, or stains, and scent-free and ready to wear. Higher end the better. If you paid over $100 for it when you purchased it, chances are it will be acceptable. What should a consignor do to make sure her items sell? Bring them in at the beginning of the season. Remove any plastic dry-cleaning bags as soon as items are cleaned; the bags can turn a white item yellow and leave an unpleasant scent on the garment. Make sure everything is picture perfect and ready to wear. Take any added pads from shoes, make sure handbags are cleaned inside and out, clean your jewelry, mend or press any garments that need it. Don’t bring things in and tell us to brush, clean, or mend your items. What won’t you accept? Traditional business suits are so out. Everyone is more dressed down and eclectic now. No wedding gowns, or work out wear. What should one always snatch up? Anything Chanel or Hermes—these items are timeless. And any top level of any designer, like Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label and Giorgio Armani’s Black Label. Anything FABULOUS! Maybe you came in looking for something specific and basic like a black skirt. It is probably easier to find that item somewhere else, but you may never find a fabulous find at a fabulous price ever again. I hear stories of regret every day from women who saw something, came back to get it and it was gone. What’s the most memorable items you’ve ever sold? You have to love anything Hermes. I have had Kelly handbags, scarves, coats, blouses, jewelry; all so lovely. Chanel runs a close second. We’ve had some really fabulous Chanel bags. If there is one piece of advise you could give to anyone who hasn’t been in your store, what would it be? Throw away all preconceived notions of what a resale, consignment, thrift, or second hand store is. We are totally unique. You will think you have walked into a boutique. There is a distinct difference between your local thrift store and any resale/consignment shop. The one statement I hear the most from consignors is “this is just too good to give to Goodwill”. That should give you an indication of the type of merchandise you will find on consignment. So, since the quality is higher, so are the prices. I compare it to buying a car. If you buy a cheap car and try to sell it, you will get a certain price for it. If you buy a Mercedes and try to sell it, you will get a much higher price. Higher end, better quality always demands a higher price when resold. If you aren’t familiar with the high end labels, get acquainted. They are fabulous. You just can’t beat the workmanship, fabrics and design. At the mall, you find the same old thing that the masses are wearing and a lot of terrible fabrics and workmanship. Dare to be unique. And don’t be afraid to elevate your style a bit. Dare to be ‘overdressed’! American’s as a culture are the most casual (and dare I say sloppy) when it comes to fashion. We have things that you just can’t find anywhere else in the area. And, things that you can actually get excited about! But don’t take my word for it! Come see for yourself!

2009-11-11T08:23:13-05:00

q-a 3597812

2009-11-11T08:23:13-05:00

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Q & A 2010-01-08T08:28:51-05:00 _*An ad-hoc interview*_ *WHY CONSIGNMENT / RESALE?* Saavy fashionistas everywhere know that secret *thrill* of finding that fabulous piece that will be the envy of all their friends. They know the *value* of consignment shopping and the *economic and environmental concerns of recycling*. Frequent visitors can snag high end labels like Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, and Prada, as well as turning some of the contents of their own closets into cash. *WHAT ARE YOUR HOTTEST SELLERS?* By far, designer handbags, jewelry, and furs. Louis Vuitton and Chanel are the most in demand. Vintage costume jewelry is HUGE. And, full length black minks are so hot right now. We LOVE them! *WHAT's THE SPLIT?* Consignors get 40% of the selling price of their goods. A great alternative to donating and getting nothing! *HOW MUCH DO YOUR SHOPPERS SAVE?* It depends on the item. Savings range anywhere from 90% to 40% off retail. A lot of our items still have the original tags so it is easy to see your savings. *What criteria do you use when looking to accept someone’s clothes?* We accept items no more than a *2 to 3 years old* for the main level, *OR* for the vintage level, *vintage designer / couture (which is from the 1900's through 1970's, some 1980's)*, or made by couture designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. Everything must be *showroom-ready* = freshly cleaned, no snags, tears, rips, missing parts, or stains, and scent-free and ready to wear. Higher end the better. If you paid over $100 for it when you purchased it, chances are it will be acceptable. *What should a consignor do to make sure her items sell?* Bring them in at the beginning of the season. Remove any plastic dry-cleaning bags as soon as items are cleaned; the bags can turn a white item yellow and leave an unpleasant scent on the garment. Make sure everything is picture perfect and ready to wear. Take any added pads from shoes, make sure handbags are cleaned inside and out, clean your jewelry, mend or press any garments that need it. Don't bring things in and tell us to brush, clean, or mend your items. *What won’t you accept?* Traditional business suits are so out. Everyone is more dressed down and eclectic now. No wedding gowns, or work out wear. *What should one always snatch up?* Anything Chanel or Hermes—these items are timeless. And any top level of any designer, like Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label and Giorgio Armani’s Black Label. Anything FABULOUS! Maybe you came in looking for something specific and basic like a black skirt. It is probably easier to find that item somewhere else, but you may never find a fabulous find at a fabulous price ever again. I hear stories of regret every day from women who saw something, came back to get it and it was gone. *What’s the most memorable items you’ve ever sold?* You have to love anything Hermes. I have had Kelly handbags, scarves, coats, blouses, jewelry; all so lovely. Chanel runs a close second. We've had some really fabulous Chanel bags. *If there is one piece of advise you could give to anyone who hasn't been in your store, what would it be?* Throw away all preconceived notions of what a resale, consignment, thrift, or second hand store is. We are totally unique. You will think you have walked into a boutique. There is a distinct difference between your local thrift store and any resale/consignment shop. The one statement I hear the most from consignors is "this is just too good to give to Goodwill". That should give you an indication of the type of merchandise you will find on consignment. So, since the quality is higher, so are the prices. I compare it to buying a car. If you buy a cheap car and try to sell it, you will get a certain price for it. If you buy a Mercedes and try to sell it, you will get a much higher price. Higher end, better quality always demands a higher price when resold. If you aren't familiar with the high end labels, get acquainted. They are fabulous. You just can't beat the workmanship, fabrics and design. At the mall, you find the same old thing that the masses are wearing and a lot of terrible fabrics and workmanship. Dare to be unique. And don't be afraid to elevate your style a bit. *Dare to be 'overdressed'!* American's as a culture are the most casual (and dare I say sloppy) when it comes to fashion. We have things that you just can't find anywhere else in the area. And, things that you can actually get excited about! But don't take my word for it! Come see for yourself!