Consignment Stores Flourish Amid Troubled Economy

In an era where many businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, moved to a larger building in Cockeysville to accommodate a growing demand for its merchandise.

Owner Danielle Quattrocche credits the consignment business model, which features gently used merchandise at discounted prices, as the key to her success.

"I think our generation is now learning what consignment is about," she said. "It's not the same as a thrift store."

Quattrocche, whose store specializes in childrens' products, collects from sellers, who split the profits of items sold within 90 days with her. Anything not sold during that time period is either returned or donated.

"In this economy, [sellers] figure they can get a little money back from items they're no longer able to use," she said. "And a lot of people don't pick up the money. They use store credit to purchase other items."

And Hyde & Seek isn't the only consignment business that's flourishing.

, which provides merchandise from luxury brands such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, opened its second Maryland location in Timonium this past August.

"Our typical customer is someone who loves contemporary fashion but doesn't want to pay full price at Nordstrom," said JoAnna Elliott, a store manager. "We are very selective about the merchandise we accept. Most of our products have been in the bigger department stores in the past six months to a year."

Elliott said consignment is a great option for those looking to get the biggest bang out of their buck.

"We work hard to make our store like a boutique," she said. "For $20, you can get jeans and a top. You can maybe even get a necklace or some other accessory if you've got a talent for finding a deal."

If you ask Erin Woodward, a volunteer coordinator at The Surprise Shop, the thrill of bargain hunting even attracts wealthier clients to consignment shops.

"We see a whole spectrum of people," Woodward said. "Right now, we have a Burberry sweater for a little boy with the tags still on it that was originally $160 and we're selling it for $16. We have an Armani suit for a man that we're selling for $200 that originally cost $2,000. It's a hunt, even for wealthy people, to find a bargain."

The Towson-based thrift store and consignment shop, which has clothing, house ware, gifts and more, was founded in 1964 by Trinity Episcopal Church and is primarily run by volunteers. Woodward said that although The Surprise Shop has always had a good following, business has especially picked up in recent years.

"In this economy, people want to look nice without paying too much," she said. "A couple of years ago, the first thought would have been to go to the mall to shop. Now, people are coming here more because they know they'll get a better deal."