Times are tough.
Economically speaking, we are in the doldrums. People aren’t spending like they once were. Partly because of unemployment. But, I think the tight economy has forced most people to take a good, hard look at the difference between “want” and “need”. As money becomes harder to come by, consumers are making more economical choices for their needs. Many retailers are responding in kind. Cub Foods, for example, has cut prices on many essential items. Walmart is experiencing some of their best years ever.
Consignment shops are also enjoying a new robustness. For those of you not familiar with the concept, consignment shops act as a broker for goods and furnishings between the sellers and buyers (hmm, that sounds familiar). They will accept your gently used items, including clothing, household goods, dishes, sometimes small appliances and furniture, display them in their store front and attempt to sell them for you. They charge a percentage of the sale price. The percentage they take depends on the item. Usual splits between the sellers and the consignment shop for furniture is around 50/50 of the sale price. The more expensive and exclusive the pieces are, the more they will cost at a consignment shop. But, buyers need to consider how much those pieces would cost retail to determine if this is the right buy for them.
The Star-Tribune’s John Ewoldt had a great article this last week listing all of the consignment shops in the area and what kinds of inventory they carry. I’ve shopped at Turn Style Consignments in Crystal, MN and Mainstreet Consignment in Hopkins, MN. There used to be a great consignment store in Plymouth right on 494 and Carlson Pky, too, but I think they went out of business. Now, Plymouth MN boasts the wonderful Wabi Sabi Shop!!! They have fabulous inventory, enough for the frugal and the not quite as frugal.
I am all about the deals! If you’re looking for a deal on homes for sale in any Minneapolis cities of the Western suburbs, contact me today! It’s my goal to provide buyers and sellers of homes for sale in Minneapolis Lake Harriet Area or Lake Calhoun Area, or homes for sale in any Minneapolis cities of the Western suburbs with the information they need about how to get the deal done.
Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.
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The annual fall Hennepin Recycling Group (HRG) Special Material Drop Off Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Brooklyn Park operations and maintenance facility, 8300 Noble Ave. N.
