By Michele Scott, Owner of Designer Consigner

The idea of “Recycling” often leads to images of aluminum cans, yellowed newspapers, and ramshackle plastic bottles, but Michele Scott, owner of Designer Consigner- a new upscale resale boutique for women, thinks differently. “It’s the ultimate ‘green business’ today, especially in this tough economy,” Scott says. Historically, women buy items only to later decide they don’t want (and definitely don’t need) them – often after tossing the receipt. “We all tend to hang on to items in our closets that we no longer fit or wear, allowing them to collect dust and occupy precious space, only to be donated eventually to Goodwill when the cleaning of closets finally occurs,” admits Scott. This is the perfect time to re-organize, re-group, and re-sell, so why not go green (and make some new green) at the same time?

Both supplier and consumer agree that purging the closet and buying castoffs can be cleansing for the soul. “The idea of recycling and ‘going green’ motivates our patrons to think economically” says Scott, and attributes a heightened interest in consignment shopping in part to consumers’ unquenchable appetite for luxury labels, even those that are gently worn. “Every time you open a magazine, you see someone wearing a quote-unquote vintage designer gown,” she said. “Shopping vintage and consignment has lost much of its vivacity and has become much more main stream.”

That is precisely why Scott decided to open the chic upscale boutique ; “clean out your closet and increase your wallet!” reads the tag line on her advertisements.

In such tough economic times, women are looking for ways to make extra money while still maintaining their sense of fashion and style. In an otherwise bleak retail scene, consignment is thriving and is among the fastest growing segments of today’s retail market.
Consigners are paid 40% of the retail selling price of their items at Designer Consigner. Diane Flemming, a consigner at Designer Consigner quoted, “I have already made over $1000 in less than 2 months by taking my items in for consignment.” “It’s easy and fun,” says Flemming, who goes on to say, “I can even watch my items selling on-line because Designer Consigner offers a unique website for consigners to log on anytime and see what has sold and what is still available –  I love it!”

Products found in the store can retail in new condition for thousands, but are purchased at Designer Consigner for a mere fraction. A pair of Manalo Blahnik shoes recently sold for $112 – brand new. Another item, an Ellie Tahari sequined dress (with original tag still attached at $598), is on sale for under $100. Not to be upstaged, other brands sold include Talbots, Ann Taylor, and Banana Republic.

Designer Consigner
(302) 239-4034
designerconsignerde.com
Tues – Sat 10-6pm; Wed 10-8pm; Sun 11-3pm
7209 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707