There is no better feeling for a self professed budget shopper than to find a really good deal. Especially when it comes to fashion, because looking great while saving money is the ultimate reward. Consignment is the place to go where budgeting meets fashion savvy. Everything old is new again, and that includes pre-loved and pre-owned garments. And with the wear, whether for one day or one year, the price is reduced sharply, thus increasing the savings quotient. Plus, recycling clothing is a great way to protect the environment while becoming a little more glamorous than before.
Consignment is very addictive, but not at all harmful to your wallet. There are so many possibilities when someone else's closet is made available to peruse and ramble through. Also, unlike the thrift store counterpart, the sizes and styles are separated and marked for easy shopping. No need to throw things around for hours on end. These items have been carefully combed through and sorted, partially because consigment tends to go with the best used items and those that will generate sales. Since no one really wants the blouse with the hole in it, there will not be any sneaky surprises on the rack. All great merchandise that just wasn't a wanted part of someone's collection is usually what is in store at the local consignment shop.
Shopping consignment takes some patience, but the benefits are so immense. Just shopping pre loved means that there will be a price reduction of at least 90% of the normal retail cost. That is truly unreal, right? But everyday shoppers will find the perfect items in almost, if not mint condition. Plus, consignment stores have to split profits with the consignors, so a store is willing to reduce those prices if items stay on the racks and don't fly out the door. So, going back to the shop with an item in mind could mean even deeper discounts for you.
Consignment items are marked with tags showing when the item was brought in and when it will be time to discount it. Reading these tags would be a part of making thrifting even thriftier. Just knowing that a dress that is brand new and a modern silhouette (or a major designer) will be getting marked down in a month and a half if it is still around is reason enough to come back again and again. Plus, every possible clothing option is at a larger consigment shop, from shoes to accessories. So getting a total outfit from top to bottom without breaking the bank is very likely to happen.
There are unique finds at consigment stores because there isn't a specific company that is being brought in, but an eclectic mix of styles and looks from all types of people. So, there could be finds from all top designers (which consigment loves, becuase the prices are higher), or luxury shoes from a high end boutique or department store. The mix is always fresh, because consigment has to alter with every drop off of merchandise, so there could be a brand new store in a month, literally. Items come and go fast, so hesitating on a find could cost someone the steal.
Also, the items in consigment are seasonally correct. Meaning that a consignor cannot bring in winter in spring or summer in fall. There will not be too many people interested in buying swimwear in mid-December, so consignment stores often delegate exactly what they take in. This also means that when the seasons begin to change, expect a price reduction that will ilicit huge smiles! I personally found a Valentino silk skirt off-season for $1, yes that is not a typo. These items are just not going to attract as many consumers, unless they typically shop off season clearances. And this is something that adds money saving value.
Consignment can become a passion. Finding just the right pre owned for your closet is a never ending adventure. Not for the faint hearted. Shopping consignment often means waiting for the perfect buy to come in. However, when it does, the feeling is as amazing as a perfect fitting pair of jeans. Or the biggest discount ever at the retail store counter. Score!
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