Consignment Stores Thrive in Challenged Economy

While Bethel residents have seen many stores in town open and close in recent years, Cindy Cannato Wahlberg, owner of , said more people are shopping consignment than ever before.

“I see many of them do this as an event. A group of women would have lunch, go to the movies and hit all the consignment storesm," said Wahlberg, a Newtown resident. "When they try on something, they’ll only buy it if their friends say it looks good.”

“I’ve doubled sales in the past year,” added Wahlberg, who opened Sequel in 2009 at 101 Greenwood Ave.

Sequel carries clothing in sizes 0 to 18 and prices range from $5 to $150.  Brands currently available at Sequel include Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Jones New York.

Also for sale are housewares including vases and glassware and accessories such as handbags and shoes. Wahlberg carries vintage jewelry from the 1940s to the present, as well as silver and gold, and costume jewelry.

Wahlberg said she feels part of the reason for the increase in sales is due to an overall acceptance of second hand items by the public.

“A lot of people used to never consider shopping consignment, but now, in this economy, they have changed their opinion and realize it makes sense," she said. "I shopped consignment since the mid-70s, and I’ve seen the transformation. It’s almost a common occurrence now.”

Marisol Haynes, owner of at 134 Greenwood Ave., has also experienced such an increase in sales since she opened in 2009, that last year she relocated her business to a larger, more visible area in town.

Marisol’s sells women and junior clothing in sizes 0 to 14, as well as a large selection of jewelry, pursesand shoes. Clothing costs from $10 to $24. Brands currently for sale include J. Jill, Coldwater Creek, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Chico’sand Talbots. Over the next few months, she is planning to increase her store’s supply of beauty products and candles. 

Her business was formerly located in a 500-square-foot area inside of a law office at 152 Greenwood Ave. Aside from its small space, she was limited by the amount of signage she could use to advertise her business. 

"[The current, 950-square-foot store] provides much better visibility for me. Customers who are passing by on the street stop in all the time,” said Haynes, of Newtown.

According to Haynes, not only has there been an increase in customers over the past few years, there has also been a steady increase in consignors.

“I have daily appointments with people who bring in large amounts of items at a time," she said. "I think that in the past, people may have held onto their items much longer, but since many may have lost their jobs or come upon tough times, they can’t afford to keep them any longer and want to see what they can get for it."

Elizabeth Henderson Strano, owner of on 208 Greenwood Ave., said while she has always had a base of loyal customers between 30 and 70 years of age, over the past one and half to two years, the number of high school and 20-something aged customers has increased.

Olive’s Armoire, which opened in 2002, sells women’s clothing in sizes 0 to 14 and prices range from $15 to $49.  Brands currently available include Forever 21, Banana Republic, Gap, Talbots, Kohl’s and Target. Accessories such as shoes, jewelry, belts, purses, scarves and wallets are also for sale.

“I’ve always liked to recycle. I like to repurpose things. I price things so everyone can have fun and purchase something they like,” said Strano, a Danbury resident.

At store on 6 P.T. Barnum Square, owner Luann Trombetto carries a wide variety of household items such as lamps, mirrors, clocks, vases, and candles, as well as tables, stationary, paintings and seasonal décor. There is a children’s section, which carries pictures, puzzles and books, as well as a separate kitchen supply area.

All greeting cards are .50 cents and for $50, customers can get a small table or fireplace screen, and for $100, they can get a fall watercolor painting, according to Trombetto, who opened the business in 1999.

“People get great gift ideas, while others purchase things for themselves,” said Trombetto, a Bethel resident.

Customer Kim Ruffles shops at Sequel about three times a week. “There is so much selection of everything, and so many different styles to choose from. I find something every time I come here,” said Ruffles, of Bethel. 

Ruffles’ recent purchase included a Tristan knit strapless beige and white striped dress for $36, and a two-piece Max Studio sweater set in crème for $5.

Lou Ann Milburn of Bethel said she is a regular consignment shopper, and enjoys the convenience of having all the consignment stores in town located so close to each other. 

“I like the thrill of the hunt," Milburn said. "You never know what brands or products you will encounter. The products are all unique and diverse. You’ll never find 17 of the same dresses in these stores, as you would at a large chain store."

Wahlberg said all consignment store owners enjoy a friendly relationship with one another.

“It’s very unique to have all of us within two blocks from each other. We always work together and try our best to make sure our customers find what they’re looking for, often sending them to each other’s stores. This keeps the customer buying second hand,” she said.

Regardless of whether or not the economy improves, Wahlberg feels the public has learned a great deal about overspending and “consignment is here to stay."