Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 19, 1993 TAG: 9311190141
SECTION: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PAGE: HGG-18 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By SARAH COX
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Now that's a politically correct term for the '90s. It's also a hot tip for holiday shopping.
Carol Greimel of C.G.'s Closet on Brambleton Avenue recalls the day when a Hollins College student came shopping with a friend, and was horrified to discover - about halfway through her foray - that these clothes had actually been worn by someone else.
Is that so bad? Not when they're 60-70 percent below retail cost. Not when you find high-end clothes that come from resort boutiques and the finest dress stores in the area. And not when the selection is so good that it includes cocktail dresses, men's tuxedoes, furs, children's clothes, and accessories.
Although this variety is not included in all of the area's consignment boutiques, it's nice to know that good quality - yes, used - clothes are out there for the cost-conscious. Finding a $70 girl's holiday dress for $18-$22 is a steal.
What makes the grade? Ann Owen of Annie's Cottage in Salem, who carries exclusively new and previously worn children's clothes, said that she only carries used items that are in really good shape.
Mary Betty Sellers, co-owner along with Toni Moore of the Golden Shoe String on Townside Road, goes by a fairly strict criteria in judging what she'll accept for consignment.
"All I know is they expect the same thing here as in Frances Kahn - people expect more quality and good condition."
They, as well as most consignment boutiques, won't take clothes more than two years old, except for classics, Sellers said.
She also said you can find much better quality in consignment shops, although the clothes are second-hand, than you can buy new in many area stores.
Her pet peeve, Sellers said, are things that come in that have not been laundered properly. The fabric must be in good condition, with no pulls."
Their offering include children's, men's and women's wear, as well as high-end costume and real jewelry. In October, they were already accepting and selling holiday wear, because, as Sellers said, there are a lot of dance clubs in Roanoke, and "people don't want to wear the same things twice."
The Golden Shoe String occasionally carries men's tuxedoes and silk suits and sport coats; and offers for sale probably "10 furs a season," Sellers said. "We have a full-length mink coat here with a ranch mind collar and a natural mink jacket," she said. Those items, in October, were listed for $525 and $400, respectively.
Sellers suggested their children's holiday clothes would make good gifts from grandparents and aunts and uncles. In addition, sweaters, costume jewelry, and purses often are purchased for presents. They also offer gift certificates for the undecided.
Gift certificates are also offered at C.G.'s Closet, as well as a full load of belts, jewelry and shoes.
Greimel, who attests to always having been a bargain shopper herself, was struck several years ago by a consignment store in Hilton Head, S.C., which she said looked like a fine dress store. It had snappy displays, good lighting, nicely arranged clothes, and good service.
"I found out that there was a ripe market for consignment stores in the area. And what I'm finding is that last year, my clientele were conservative with their money, but this year's clientele are people that shop higher-priced stores and are seeing bargain prices. They are seeing value and have become more aware. People bring their things in to consign, with no intention of buying, and can't help but look at the displays on the wall," Greimel said.
She has a separate cocktail-dress room that includes winter coats this year. She has also mixes and matches outfits to give her clients ideas of ways to shop in her store, and she often helps accessorize outfits with belts, pins and other pieces of jewelry.
"Merchandising your goods is very, very vital to the success of any store. One lady walked in looking for a consignment store on Brambleton, thinking she'd have to dig through boxes. Many of our items still have their original tags on them - they've never been worn," said Greimel.
She addressed a concern many of her clients have: that of running into the previous owner while wearing her dress at a high-profile holiday party.
"I don't tell who the owner was, but I use my judgment to tell my client whether they might run into the other person at a certain event."
In addition, many clients buy holiday dresses for out-of-town events that may require a particular kind of outfit that won't be worn much again. Greimel said you can have several different outfits for the price one would cost you at an expensive women's store in town.
For instance, a Nipon Boutique holiday dress that Greimel said retailed for at least $170 had been priced $42 in her store. But, as with other consignment stores, prices start going down the longer they're on the floor.
She keeps a notebook, divided into sizes, and when clients call looking for something specific, she can almost become their personal telephone shopper.
She also tries to help her clients leave satisfied. Greimel suggests trying the clothes on, because sizes are not always true, and some clothes have shrunk. She said to check over the garments carefully - "we check very carefully for spots and tears, but we may make a mistake. That's why a well-lit consignment store is very important."
If you're trying to match an outfit, bring in the coordinate to get the color right. And she said that she believes good quality is more important than less expensive, trendy garments.
Another consignment store that opened in October at Oak Grove Plaza is Act II, formerly of Copper Hill.
Proprietor Jane Baldwin said they carry men's, women's and children's clothing, and her clients vary from the well-to-do to just above poverty level.
"I've found that women that are very value conscious shop consignment," she said.
She should know. For eight years, Baldwin had a job where she had to meet the public. She was also divorced and had children to support, and learned early that consignment stores were her ticket to being well-dressed.
Baldwin also carries holiday wear, and in addition, has a good selection of accessories, including gold and silver shoes.
"Many times, men will come in the shop looking for presents for their significant other," she said. Usually, they're more comfortable buying the accessories, and Baldwin can fit the bill with her costume and antique jewelry. She also insists that clients try on garments before purchasing them. "I try to make absolutely certain they are satisfied. I decided from the beginning that I would not be a thrift shop."
Consignment shops are now for everyone, particularly with the holidays and its accompanying parties fast approaching.
So join the crowd - after all, "You'd be surprised at the people who shop at the Golden Shoe String," Sellers said.
by CNB