Consignment/Outlet Blog Posts

Bibelot’s new pursuit: Old clothes

Organic cotton tees just aren’t enough anymore. Veteran Twin Cities gift and clothing store Bibelot is getting into the used clothing business. Rewear will open on the second floor of the Como store in mid-July. Fall and winter women’s apparel, size 4 to 14, in “like new” condition is now being collected. When selected items have been priced, customers will receive 50 percent of the resale value on a Bibelot gift card. If it seems an unlikely choice for an independent shop that makes itself a draw with high-quality, unique items that aren’t always the cheapest, Bibelot says its customers want to recycle and refresh their wardrobes at the same time.

The new garage sale?

Who needs the BabyGap clearance rack when you've got moms staging mass consignment sales? Spoiled Little Rascals opens its spring sale at the Eagan Community Center today featuring around 25,000 gently used items from more than 150 sellers. Meanwhile, a Just Between Friends kids and maternity consignment sale is going on today through Saturday at Southdale Center in Edina. For both, consignors pay a small participation fee and a percentage of profits and in return, they avoid the hassles of setting up and advertising their own garage sale. Is this the way to go? I've got many boxes of outgrown boys clothes I'm itching to get out of my basement, but every time I even contemplate a garage sale, I need a nap. Spoiled Little Rascals Eagan sale runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Today and Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $1 Thursday only (free with a non-perishable food donation to charity.) Just Between Friends in Edina is 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Outlet intelligence

The thing about outlet shopping is it's hit and miss. You have to be willing to dig and sometimes leave empty handed. That's why I applaud Oh Baby! Outlet for being so forthcoming about what's in store each week at the new Wayzata shop. New today, for example: Lili Gaufrette spring 2009 fashions, nursery furniture, moses baskets and bedding. While it doesn't guarantee that you'll walk out with what you want, at least you have a better idea what to expect. Visit the website before you shop each Thursday through Saturday and when you're there, sign up for the email list for more insider tips.

Better than $40 designer jeans

MODE has delivered what it promised since opening in Maple Grove: brand name, brand new apparel, accessories and beauty goods at outlet prices. Owner Ciara Stockeland has been planning a bigger, better, more polished boutique setting across the street from the current shop on Main Street and finally, she's ready to open there on April 1, and market the store as the "Home of the $40 designer jean." Think that's a deal? Mark the calendar: for the first three days, the first 40 customers in the store will get a pair of jeans for free. Details here.

Second closet for My Sisters

Grand Avenue institution My Sister's Closet is bringing its mix of consignment and vintage…to Uptown! The sisters felt the retail-heavy neighborhood was missing a great resale store and they plan to fill that void with a second location. The store at 2741 Hennepin Ave. is scheduled to open – and begin accepting merchandise – Feb. 1. Watch AliShops.com for details on grand opening events.

Chico’s outlet

Minnesota finally gets a Chico's Outlet next week. It is scheduled to open Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Albertville Premium Outlets. The front half of the store will feature merchandise made exclusively for the outlet including a line called Additions by Chico's – same look; lower price. In back is where you'll find the real deals: 30 to 75 percent off (sometimes more) past season merchandise. Opening specials include $2.99 for white pants and an extra 30 percent off already marked down apparel.

Get ready for designer deals in Maple Grove

Designer deals can come from the unlikeliest of places: like Fargo, N.D. Their prized shop MODE is opening its second outlet on Main Street in Maple Grove on Oct. 14. The store sells brand new designer overstock at 50 percent off - think premium denim, luxury handbags and trendy casual apparel for women as well as men, children and some maternity. I spoke to the enthusiastic owner and it sounds like she's prepared to open with a bang. Watch for grand opening details on AliShops.com.

Not another look

Another Look consignment boutique at 50th and Xerxes in South Minneapolis is out of business. The message when you call the store blames "disappointing holiday sales, rising costs and the poor economic climate." The only surprise is that those very conditions have been said to make the market ripe for consignment shopping, with more shoppers looking for deals and cleaning out their own closets to make some spending money. Consigning is suddenly chic, and "green." The past few months have seen the opening of several new Twin Cities consignment stores, including June in Minneapolis, Karma Clothing Co. in Stillwater and Boomerang Kids in Hudson. Let's hope they fare better. South Minneapolis is home to several other popular consignment shops (which could have been part of the problem for Another Look), including Nu Look and Fashion Avenue.

Money in your closet

New Minneapolis designer consignment boutique June really is a lovely space – you'd never know the merch has been worn. But I was surprised to learn from the owner that people are buying, but they're not selling. You'd think it would be the reverse in this economy. I finally got my act together and brought some maternity apparel in to Nine – what fun to receive checks in the mail, $35 here; $45 there. Check your closet. You're sure to find lovely things you just never wear and rather than waiting for the day that will never come, make some money. June is looking for gently worn better or designer garments, shoes and accessories from the last couple of years. To find more Twin Cities consignment shops, click here.
And when the checks start rolling in, try to avoid blowing your earnings on yet another ill-fitting dress.