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How many yards of clothes do YOU offer?

September 1, 2008 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

The Strand Bookstore in Manhattan prides itself on its vast selection of books. In fact, its tagline is

Home of 18 miles of New, Used, Rare and Out of Print Books

Think about this for a moment: How many miles (well, okay, yards or meters) of “new, used, rare and out of production” styles does your consignment shop carry? Or how many different decorating styles (let’s see there’s Early American, Danish, Mid-Century, Victorian, cottage, lodge, just for a start) does your hard-goods resale shop offer? Or brands? Or, actually, different choices (hint: you carry more brands than any of the “real” stores could possibly afford to.)

Is you mind now spinning with ads, blog entries, fliers and quotes for reporters? Hmmm…you’re doing an honest day’s labor, today on Labor Day! Sneaky little task-master, aren’t I?

Oh yes. Did you notice their “Books by the Foot” promotion? Or the Strand 80? Isn’t it wonderful that there are so many ideas out there that, with a little tweaking, will give your business the business? Like this one from the dentist’s, and this one from the mall, and heck, this one from the Girl Scouts.

It’s just SO much fun, Poking one’s nose in other people’s business.

Posted in Shopkeeping talk | Tagged , |

Style Staples from Tim Gunn and Tide: A Resale Selling Tool

August 30, 2008 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

Tim Gunn talks about the basics of a stylish wardrobe. His suggestions and dialog can be useful selling tools in your shop.

Tim Gunn’s video is here.  UPDATE: Tide took this video down. Silly Tide. Don’t miss the other videos as well, such as the one on accessories.

Ask your sales assistants to watch the videos too to further develop their sales expertise. Who knows, they might surprise you and put together a “Basics are beautiful!” swing shop in your store.

And you know what resalers will Continue Reading »

Posted in Shopkeeping talk | 1 Comment »

Are we any different from “real” stores?

August 28, 2008 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

One of the things that used to amuse us at my consignment shop is that new customers used to say “Why, this is just like a real store!” in tones of awe. We workers used to silently add “as opposed to an imaginary store, of course….” and try not to smile.

All resale shopkeepers attempt, under budgetary restrictions, to be Continue Reading »

Posted in Shopkeeping talk | 2 Comments »

See-through lighting: Definitely a Favorite Thing

August 26, 2008 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

If your shop, like many consignment and resale shops, has showcases without interior lighting, your merchandise doesn’t pop out at browsers, does it? Shed some light on the subject but don’t clutter up their view with a clear glass lamp. These come in a variety of styles and price points, but for under $30-$40, you can find a cheapie at WalMart or Target, or a better-quality gently-used one at…a consignment or resale shop, natch!

See more Favorite Things for your shop, as found by Kate.

Posted in My Favorite Things |

Back To School, College, or Work Window Displays

August 23, 2008 by Auntie Kate of Too Good to be Threw

Just because school’s starting pretty soon or is already in session, is no reason to shop showcasing your resale or consigned BTS outfits…for children of all ages!

The photo to the right is of a Gap Kids store…wouldn’t signs like these, hung around the neck of your outfits, look great? Especially if your signage said something like “Get the whole outfit for…” Try a teacher-supply store for ready-cut numbers, mount them on foam sheets for the 3-D effect.

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If you have invested in mannequins, Continue Reading »

Posted in Shopkeeping talk | 4 Comments »

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