Consignment stores see spike in business

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You've no doubt heard the economic predictions about how the holiday shopping season will fare this year.

A new survey out this week shows Americans are still nervous and will cut back on how much they spend, not just on gifts, but in other areas of their lives too. But at consignment stores, business is actually booming.

Consignment stores see spike in business

Items are flying out the door of the Yours, Mine & Ours consignment shop in Bountiful. Over the past couple of months, owner Chris Fjeldsted says business is up about 40 percent,a nd customers bring in new items daily.

"We put out between a 175 and 250, sometimes 300 a day. So, we look through at least 500 things," Fjeldsted said.

Things are also busy at Cassandra's Closet in Salt Lake. Owner Sandi Woolley says her business is up over last year, and the number of new people bringing in items to sell during the last couple of months is up about 20 percent.

"We have received a lot more people coming in and talking to us about consignment, bringing their clothes in. Everybody's feeling the economic pinch, and they're looking for a few extra dollars," Woolley said.

Consignment stores like these offer new and slightly-used men's and women's clothing, shoes and jewelry. These are brand-name items; some were never worn, or worn only a time or two. What doesn't sell is usually donated to charity.

Both Fjeldsted and Woolley say consignment stores are fun places to shop; a "treasure hunt" where the treasure changes daily.

While some business are hurting and cutting back during this current economic downturn, consignment shops are doing the opposite. "Now we could , if we wanted to be, we could be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day." Fjeldsted said.

There's also the benefit of being "discovered." "So many women, and men too, come in and they're thinking a thrift shop, and they're pleasantly surprised to learn that we are not a thrift shop, we are a consignment shop and we try to do the best by everybody who comes through the door," Woolley said.

Consignment stores seem to be a niche business where everybody wins no matter what the economy is doing.

E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com