Recessionistas now in fashion

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March 26, 2009

Consignment shops popping up in Andover

By Judy Wakefield

In this economy, even some former fashion mavens are now fashionable recessionistas, not fashionistas, as clothes budgets for themselves and their kids are going the same way as the family's 401(k) - down.

It's consigning to the rescue, which is a good way to make a few extra dollars from all those gently used designer clothes and handbags for moms and kids.

Andover has long had a thrift shop on Park Street. But next week, a traveling consignment shop specializing in kids clothes will come to town. And a local ladies apparel boutique has started a consignment shop for unused designer handbags and women's clothes.

"It's a great way to hang in there during this economic times," Lisa Nardone, who owns Gigi's on Essex Street, said of consigning. "We've all been thinking of new ideas."

At her women's clothing boutique, she's starting a consignment component this week. The store will accept gently worn items and try to sell them for customers. Nardone said her business will not benefit. Rather, the sales price is sent to the customer. Many customers already have said that any money made will go to charity.

And, if the closet belonging to your 'tween girl is busting at the seams, gently used designer dresses are welcome.

"I think teaching young girls about consigning is great," Nardone said. "They learn about not asking their parents for yet another $100 to $200 dress that only gets worn once or twice."

It will be all about such pricey kids clothes when Drop & Shop, a traveling consignment shop comes to town. Drop & Shop will be set up temporarily in the vacant store front at 26 Chestnut St,, which used to house Andover Cycle.

For the past five years, the shop-on-wheels has moved among North Shore communities including Manchester-By-The-Sea and Wenham. Now, it's Andover's turn.

"It's a huge success for the community, the consignors," said organizer Stacey Lai, a strong proponent of consigning as the mom of three young daughters. "And, yes, I'm seeing consignors who would not have been here...it is the economy."

Here's how Drop & Shop works, according to Lai:

Go to the Web site www.childrensdropandshop.com.

Follow the links to register as a consignor.

Items should be gently used and not recalled or contain lead.

Tags can be printed out on your computer.

Drop your tagged items at the event.

A check will be mailed in about two to three weeks.

There's no limit on the number of items people can print, and consignors tag whatever price they want. The guideline is to tag an item at 40 to 60 percent of the purchase price. Lai said the sizes are newborn to 16.

"It's been fun for me," said Lai, who started doing the event in addition to her full-time advertising job.

The event will be in town for eight days. A preview for consignors is Thursday, April 2, while the event opens at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 3.

For more information, check out www.childrensdropandshop.com.