Long considered a venue for low income families or people who were “down on their luck,” the once lowly resale (or second hand) shop is attracting an enthusiastic following of customers from all income brackets.
Two main factors can be credited for the increase in resale sales. One, in a sagging economy a large portion of the public has come to realize that you cannot control the price of gas and groceries, nor can you rely on your real estate and stock investments to take an upward turn, but you can level your personal budget by shopping wisely. Two, as people become more Earth-friendly, and conscious of the importance of recycling, they are donating or selling their gently used items to resale venues, rather than sending them to the city landfill.
Goodwill Industries, the nation’s largest charitable resale organization with nearly 3,000 stores, reported sales of $2.7 billion in 2010 with a projected increase in sales of 10 percent per year for the next 5 years. In addition to Goodwill, many cities also have stores operated by The Salvation Army, the Disabled American Veterans, and a number of outlets sponsored by local churches and fraternal organizations.
I visit the resale stores in my area on a regular basis and while I don’t come away with a purchase every time, I do find my share of goodies.
Vintage furniture is always at the top of my shopping list and the resale shops offer a nice selection. Chairs, from the 1930’s upholstered variety to primitive pressed-back and ladder-back kitchen chairs, are a common find. Tables, buffets, rocking chairs, full and partial bedroom sets and cedar chests from the 1930-1950 era appear from time to time, and most recently I have noticed an increase in MCM (Mid-Century Modern) furniture.
My second stop is the household section where, amongst the warped Tupperware and coffee mugs, I have found vintage baking dishes and mixing bowls, Depression glass, paper weights, iron banks and stoneware as well as partial sets of fine china. The appliance and electronics sections often yield 1950s radios, 60s and 70s turntables, and vintage light fixtures. And before I leave I take time to go through the framed art and the jewelry displays. While it is a rare find, I have picked up paintings by Indiana artists and an occasional piece of gold or sterling jewelry.
Not all resale shops are charity based. Privately owned resale shops, according to a recently published industry study, accounted for 30 percent of all retail sales nationwide in 2012 and that number is expected to increase in 2013. In the greater Indianapolis area we have a number of these shops. One of the oldest, and a personal favorite of mine, is Audrey’s Place, located on the eastside of Indianapolis at 3210 E. 10th Street.
With a 42 year history in the business and 22 years at their present location, John Britain and his family are experts in merchandising who know how keep it reasonably priced and keep it fresh. Due to their long-time reputation for purchasing estates, Audrey’s has a constant flow of ever-changing merchandise. In addition to antique and period furniture, collectibles and primitives, they have recently added a nice selection of architectural pieces to their inventory, making this shop a “must see” for any collector.
Not certain where the good resale shops are in your area? You can find a listing of the shops near you at www.narts.org, the official Web site for The Association of Resale Professionals. Until next time……Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reach at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com