PHOTO BY GIANPIERO PETA
“The economy has people shopping differently than they used to, paying closer attention to how they spend their money. But that doesn’t mean they should have to skimp on quality for their families,” says Fig & Will’s Amanda Spencer. The state of the economy combined with the green and buy local movements has made shoppers and entrepreneurs alike realize the value of frequenting local consignment shops so they don’t have to sacrifice quality and style for savings. The following Berks County consignment shops are great spots to shop for unique accessories, housewares and brand name apparel. They are also great spots for consignors looking to recycle their goods and reinvest in their local economies. Before heading to the stores, whether it’s for shopping or consigning, be sure to check their websites for hours and information on what items they are accepting.
FAB*4*U Too
“I wanted to make this [shop] a place for all women. You will find something if you are a little girl’s size 5 to a woman’s size 5x,” says Angela LaPuma, owner of Fab*4*U Too, which specializes in “tweens and teens, women’s, maternity and plus-sized designer wear, shoes, handbags, unique belts and accessories.” She accepts items from community consignors, but stresses these are items you won’t find in stores like Wal-Mart and Target. “I don’t want to carry the norm. I want to have items that are unique, different, hard to find and in demand,” Angela asserts. Open Tues-Th: 10am-6pm | Fri-Sat: 11am-7pm | Sun: 10am-5pm | Closed Monday | 4239 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring | 484.577.4457 | facebook.com/Fab4UToo
Hodge Podge Unique Boutique
Owner Heidi Bostelle describes Hodge Podge as just that–“a wide array of items, from one-of-a-kind handmade local art to exclusive lines and everything in between.” The latest trends sit side by side with vintage décor. However Hodge Podge is no longer a traditional thrift store; Bostelle focuses on consignment “at the artisan/crafter level.” She mainly accepts consignment for handmade items, although she also considers antiques, collectables and vintage clothing that is “truly unique or highly desirable.” Anyone interested in placing their work with Hodge Podge should schedule an appointment and bring a sample of their art. Open Wed-Th: 11am-2pm, 4-7pm | Fri: 11am-8pm | Sat: 11am-3pm | 12 North Reading Ave., Boyertown | 484.366.1169 | hodgepodgeboutique.weebly.com | hodgepodgeboutique.com
The Attic
According to Anne Kuronyi, “it’s really difficult for young women in society today to fit in and to buy things that make them feel good and are affordable”; thus, she opened The Attic in 2003 to sell fun and casual clothing for young women in addition to retro housewares. This shop, which also has an online store, collects and sells all major brands of “new and modern styles from the past two years that are in excellent condition,” as well as vintage apparel. Consignors can choose to receive cash for their items or trade them for store credit. Open (Kutztown store): Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm | Sun: 11am-6pm | 172 West Main St., | Kutztown | 610.894.9544 | atticclothes.com | facebook.com/atticclothes
Fig & Will
Fig & Will’s Amanda Spencer describes the store as “the children’s consignment store for the shopper with discerning tastes.” But you can find more than just designer and high-end clothing for children at Fig & Will. The store also sells new and one-of-a-kind items that were never sold in stores, maternity clothing, furniture and décor. Fig & Will’s most popular gift item is Chewbeads, which, Spencer says, is “non-toxic jewelry for moms that is safe for baby to chew and tug.” Fig & Will accepts brand name clothing in excellent condition from consignors. Open Tues-Fri: 10am-5pm | Sat: 10am-3pm | Closed Sunday and Monday | 520 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.373.3400 | figandwill.com | facebook.com/FigWill
Trendy Teens
Inspired by her daughter’s closet–she looked inside it one day and thought, “Why pay that much [for clothing]?”–and 25 years of clothing retail management experience, Rhonda Mayers opened Trendy Teens in November 2011 when she decided it was time for a career change. Her shop carries brand name clothing, shoes, formal wear, purses and handbags for teens. She currently works with more than 200 local consignors and encourages those interested in becoming consignors to stop by any time during store hours with their brand name, clean apparel and accessories; no appointment is necessary. Open Mon-Fri: 11am-6pm | Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 11am-5pm | 3227 Perkiomen Ave., Reading | 610.401.0605 | shoptrendyteens.com | facebook.com/pages/TrendyTeens
Fancy That Consignment Boutique and Gallery
“I always wanted to own some kind of shop, so when the economy took a turn for the worse, I decided it may be a good time to do this,” says owner Sue Lengel. In business since October 2005, Fancy That specializes in all types of women’s clothing–from coats, jackets and denim to shoes, tops, slacks and more. Shoppers can often find Longaberger baskets and pottery, and they will soon be able to find Robesonia Redware. Fancy That also carries antique game boards made in Manheim, jewelry by Jewels for You and Naked Bee skin products.Open Tues-Wed: 10am-5pm | Th-Fri: 10-6pm | Sat: 10am-2pm | Closed Sun & Mon | 4900 Penn Avenue (in Sinking Spring Plaza), Reading | 610.678.6088 | facebook.com/pages/Fancy-That-Consignment-Boutique-and-Gallery
Sophie's Choice
Nicole Nazaryk, owner of Sophie's Choice Consignment and Boutique, offers thousands of new and gently used items to choose from, including women's and juniors' clothing and accessories. Many are brand names. Says Nicole, “Consignment is a win-win situation for those who want to update their wardrobe on a reasonable budget.” For more info on consigning, call or review the contract online.Open Tues: 10am-6pm | Wed & Fri: 10am-5pm | Th: 11am-7pm | Sat: 10am-3pm | 104 Park Lane, Douglassville | 610.385.1182 | sophieschoiceconsignmentboutique.com | facebook.com/sophieschoiceconsignmentandboutique
Nothing's New
Nothing’s New is a true family business run by four generations of women and celebrating 37 years in the community. It began as one room and quickly grew to fill two buildings; it still occupies its original building, but the family purchased the building across the street for its collection of children’s clothing, toys and accessories. Nothing’s New also sells adult clothing and accessories as well as home furnishings. The store accepts items from consignors, but those items must be in excellent condition. Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm | Sat: 9am-4pm (9am-1pm in January and June) | Closed Sunday | Closed in July | 11 Funston Avenue, Reading | 610.775.1286 | nothingsnewconsignment.com
Lucky Finds
Lucky Finds is filled with those “lucky finds” to make your house a home. This shop specializes in decorative housewares, although you can also find many other items including purses, jewelry, and women’s and children’s clothing. Michelle Tschudy, co-owner, began buying and selling items after the birth of her son. From there, “it just evolved into opening a storefront.” Tschudy eventually partnered with her nephew’s wife and, she says, “It’s become a great family experience.” Tschudy is accepting “great household décor, small furniture, purses, jewelry and great quality women’s and children’s clothing” from consignors; consignment is done by appointment. Open Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm | Sat: 10am-4pm | Closed Sunday | 180 Old Swede Road, Ste. 2, Douglassville | facebook.com/LuckyFindsConsignmentandThriftStore
BY CHRISTINA STEFFY | PHOTOS BY NICOLE MATHIS, BLÚ ORCHID PHOTOGRAPHY
