Consign Time

One type business that potentially thrives during an economic downturn is a consignment store. Different than thrift or vintage clothing stores, consignment shops sell second-hand (or sometimes new) items—and the previous owner shares in the profits. 

People often seek out consignment shops to find high-end goods at much lower prices, or to get cash from their own designer items they no longer need or want. Montclair is home to two such businesses: Milk Money and .

Milk Money is exclusively dedicated to children’s consignment and sells clothing, books, toys, movies, shoes, and accessories. Talie’s Attic offers women’s and children’s designer consigned clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Milk Money recently celebrated its one-year anniversary under the new ownership of Andrea Dellechiaie. “August 17th was my one year anniversary of owning Milk Money. Although it has been a lot of work, it has been incredibly fun and rewarding. I am so glad that I took on this endeavor, ” says DelleChiaie.

When DelleChiaie , she gave Milk Money a major overhaul and raised the standard of consigned goods she would accept. “All my items are sought-after brand names and in great condition; shoppers don't have to feel like they are giving up quality for a better price,” she says.

Right now, Milk Money is stocked with plenty of fall and winter gear, “We are loaded with everything from dresses and pants, to PJs and snow suits"  DelleChiaie says.

"Many people are purchasing their back-to-school wardrobes right now, which consist of all your basics like jeans, shirts, hoodies, coats etc. People have already even started getting their Halloween costumes,”  she adds.

Whether it is Milk Money’s makeover, more people looking to save cash or a combination of both, DelleChiaie says business is booming and she plans to stay put. (Good news for parents looking to score Abercrombie jeans for $10 or Melissa and Doug puzzles for $4.)

Alas, Milk Money only outfits the under-14 set, so for women (sorry fellas) looking to find designer names for discounted prices, there’s Talie’s Attic, located at 571 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.

Upon entering Talie’s Attic,  you may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of goods packed into the tiny shop. There are racks of shoes, shelves full of hand bags, clothing racks packed with suits, dresses, pants and tops. But what the store lacks in space and clarity, it makes up for with Talie herself.

Owner Talie Aronskind is, quite simply, passionate about what she does. For the past 14 years, she has presided over her shop with acute proficiency and enthusiasm. She is keenly is aware of every last pair of Coach sunglasses, each Donna Karan dress or Juicy Couture hoody in her store, as well the sizes for each. 

While this reporter was there, Aronskind deftly (and tactfully) sized up a customer looking for jeans, then swiftly grabbed a few pairs tucked far up on a shelf. “I love helping people find just the right thing; customers know that when they come back to my store I will remember them,” she says.

Like DelleChiaie, Aronskind has a discerning eye and will only stock items of high quality, that she knows “will sell.” She also stresses that "just making a sale" is not what drives her, but rather she perfers to build relationships with her customers.

Case in point, this reporter’s daughter desperately coveted a particular T-shirt that was obviously too small, and before this mom could say no, Aronskind shook her head firmly, “no, no, this shirt does not fit you, I will not sell it to you.”

Instead, Aronskind began picking out some appropriately sized tees, while asking, “what do you like, what colors,” etc. When the fickle eight-year-old made faces at several of the items, Aronskind did not even flinch, she merely moved on to the next tee shirt.

“I always tell moms, come with your child, don’t shop without them, they know what they like and what they want to wear.”

Milk Money is located at 76 Church Street, Montclair,  973-744-0504. Hours of operation are: Tuesday – Friday, 10 – 5; Saturday, 10 – 4. For complete details on Milk Money’s consigning guidelines, go here 

Talie’s Attic is located at 571 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, (entrance is on the side of the building) 973-655-9040. Hours of operation are: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:30 – 6; and Sunday, Noon - 5. Talie accepts consigned items on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Items you wish to consign should be no older than 2 years, free of stains and on a hanger. There is no fee to consign and profits are split 50/50.