Weekly Written Analysis 5: Consignment Shops

Thirty or forty years ago, it was considered embarrassing if your friends found out that you were wearing the hand-me-downs of an older sister. But today, it is almost considered chic to create ensembles from clothing obtained from consignment shops and resale shops. It seems that the nation’s commitment to recycle has carried over even into the fashion world.

Here is how it works. The consignee opens an account at the consignment shop for a nominal fee. The consignee then brings in clothing they wish to sell. The cosigner inspects the clothing to make sure that all the clothes are relatively in style, in season; free of stains, and that the garments do not smell nor have broken zippers or missing buttons. If accepted, the consigner prices the garment according to the label, perceived value, and appeal of the garment. If sold, the consigner generally keeps 30% of the selling price (Picariello, 2007).

Plato’s Closet is a highly popular consignment shop for teens. It is the perfect solution to the young person who wants to be in style but is limited by a tight budget. The chain is now nationwide and operates as a franchise. The franchise-owner gets 5% of weekly gross sales but must have substantial assets (over $125,000) to obtain the franchise. Many franchise-owners report double-digit annual increases (Own a Plato’s Closet, 2009).

There are many one-owner, one-establishment shops. Some of the ones in the central Ohio area include Three Belles, Déjà vu, One More Time, and The Dress Code. All have a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere and a helpful staff. Some of these establishments pay outright and others the 70% cut, as mentioned above. Some use a graduated resale price, periodically reducing the selling price every week or two. The smart shopper can stalk the items they desire and decide when to come back for “the kill.” Most of the central Ohio consignment shops do not take undergarments or lingerie. Purses, belts, jewelry, and shoes, however, are big sellers.

I, for one, am in heaven. I no longer feel the need to hang on to clothing year after year because I paid top dollar. I can recycle the things I no longer wear and get new ones at a fraction of the cost I would pay in a department store.



References
Own a Plato’s Closet. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://platoscloset.com.

Picariello, G. (2007). Consignment shops: More popular than ever. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://associatedcontent.com.