“Consignors feel good about recycling their casual and couture clothing because they’re contributing to the bigger picture,” says district manager Robyn Holtz, formerly with Brighton Collectibles. Customers feel good about it, too. They typically spend less than half of what they would pay at retail.
Upscale labels like Tory Burch, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana fill the racks of Greene Street locations in Princeton, Lambertville, Red Bank, six Philadelphia-area shops and a just-opened store in SoHo.
“I used to shop at Saks,” says Princeton store manager Jean Manna, once a buyer for the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “But since so much of our inventory is like new, I buy my clothes here.”
Consignors are invited to bring in gently used and like-new women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry. Greene Street sets the prices and, once merchandise is sold, consignors earn 40 percent of the selling price.
“We attact a wide range of customers, and some are looking for one-of-a-kind artisan pieces like scarves, sweaters and handbags,” says Holtz.
As we tour the Princeton location, Holtz and Manna spot a brand-new pair of high-end Chloe leather boots that were just dropped off by a consignor. “Oooh! The original tag is still on them,” swoons Manna. “See what we mean?” adds Holtz. “You never know what’s going to walk through the door. It’s always a treasure hunt here.”
In The Pink: This like-new Kate Spade wristlet bag sells for $28, a fraction of its full retail.
Spring Fling: Manolo Blahnik pumps might be untouchable for some shoppers, but at $225, these are within reach.
Sparkly Specs: At less than half the original price, $178 rhinestone-bedecked Chanel shades are beach ready.
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FUR A GOOD CAUSE: Each time the consignment shop recycles a new or vintage fur, proceeds go to the company’s newest division, Greene Street Animal Rescue (267-716-1940; greenestreetanimalrescue.vpweb.com). Since it opened in January 2012, 175 dogs have been rescued and adopted. The nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter, located on a 14-acre farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania, hosts canine adoption days throughout the year.