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The Great Recession has taught us all to be more frugal and to rethink the
“throw-away society” mentality.
Perhaps the greatest evidence of this change is the growing popularity of consignment and clothing resale shops. “Used” no longer has the taint it did a decade ago.
Consumers have plenty of outlets where they can shop for “pre-owned” goods. There are 45 Tulsa-area shops listed in this year’s Yellow Pages. In addition, Tulsa is home to a nationwide consignment event franchising business that was founded in 1997, which annually holds 112 events in 22 states.
Most of the shops listed in the Yellow Pages are consignment shops: storefronts selling used purchases and unwanted gifts for one-half to one-third of their new values.
They sell everything, from antiques and regular household furniture to men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, baby and children’s clothes, toys, school uniforms and even Persian rugs.
Today’s consignment businesses are far removed from the bargain basement and thrift shops of years ago. Much of the merchandise typically is in like-new or gently worn condition. And, store owners strive to have the latest styles, rather than items whose popularity has waned.
Shoppers also run the gamut, from bargain-hunters to more upscale consumers who like the variety of brands available in one place.
In the following stories, leaders of three local operations offer their thoughts on the modern consignment and resale business.
Bargain examples
GAP T-shirts: $12 to $15 new; $5 to $6.50 consigned
True Religion Jeans: $170 and up new; $67 consigned
Talbots or Ann Taylor slacks: $80 to $90 new; $17 to $25 consigned.
Coach purses: $300 and up new; $57 and up consigned.
BCBG flip-flops: $75 new; $15 consigned.
Original Print Headline: New chic: gently used
Phil Mulkins 699-8888
phil.mulkins@tulsaworld.com
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