NEW USES: Between Empty-Nesters and Millennials, Furniture Resellers See Opportunity

In an article in the Star Tribune about furniture resellers, the New Uses in Woodbury, Minnesota is highlighted. Owned by Valeta Cornwell and Will Berthiaume,  they saw the franchise as a great opportunity as they saw the growing interest in gently-used furniture. Of course, New Uses is not consignment, but resale, and offers not only high quality, like-new furniture, but also home decor, electronics, and small appliances. Source: Startribune.com When Amy Keyser’s mom suggested that she check out consignment shops to furnish a 1951 house Keyser bought last year, her response was “What’s that?” Keyser, 39, of Minneapolis, shopped at Pottery Barn and Ikea but decided their furniture “didn’t look quite right in my house.” Taking her mom’s suggestion, she checked out Covet Consign & Design in south Minneapolis. “It was love at first sight,” Keyser said. “They had furniture that fit my house and my style.”

Consignment and furniture resale shops may not be as common as retailers selling used clothing, but with more than a dozen home consignment shops listed in Twincitiesconsignment.com, most metro residents live near one. Nationwide, the number of resale shops is growing 7 percent annually, according to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops. And the fastest-growing segment is furniture. In part, that’s because more empty nesters are selling off furnishings when moving to smaller homes, and more young singles and couples are buying the lower-priced, secondhand furnishings as they begin their households.

Locally, NTY Franchise Co. of Minnetonka has opened three New Uses stores since 2012, in Minnetonka, Maple Grove and, last month, Woodbury. Compared with consignment shops that usually pay 50 to 55 percent of the selling price after an item is sold, resale stores pay cash on the spot for furniture and home furnishings. “The demand for good, used furniture is extremely strong,” said Chad Olson, NTY’s chief operating officer. “But supply and logistics are a challenge.” It’s a lot easier to bring in a garment bag full of clothes to sell or consign than a sectional, so customers usually end up e-mailing pictures to get a thumbs up or down. Christy Frank, owner of Covet Consign & Design, said she accepts only one in 10 of the items offered to her in e-mailed pictures. Her keen eye for current, “urban eclectic” styles has served her and her customers well. In the five years since she opened near 38th and Chicago Avenue, she’s seen growth of 30 to 50 percent each year. She buys midcentury modern and current pieces that might be seen in a Room & Board or West Elm store. “Most of my clientele is between 25 and 42, and a lot of them are first-time home buyers,” she said. “They don’t have a lot of room or money, so I keep things affordable.”

Upholstered chairs range from $100 to $400, and sofas and dining room sets are $300 to $700. Finding pieces that don’t look or smell dated is a challenge. Many consignment shop owners can’t depend only on what is carried through the door. Frank and others have employees who check out estate sales and garage sales. Valeta Cornwell and Will Berthiaume, owners of the New Uses franchise in Woodbury, got into the business because of their experience with estate sales and auctions.

The semiretired couple also saw many people their age downsizing and needing to unload furnishings that once filled a much larger home. Many of their customers want to make a little money instead of donating everything to charity. But the couple only want the items they think customers will buy.

“People want to sell us what doesn’t sell at their garage sales,” said Berthiaume. “We pass on most of that stuff.” Kay Frandsen, owner of Wabi Sabi furniture consignment in Plymouth, has worked hard to educate her consignors about high expectations. “Customers come in and tell me they didn’t know the furniture was used. They think it’s all new stuff,” she said. “That’s when I knew I was hitting the mark.” Her business has increased 15 percent or more for each of the past five years. Such growth is not assured.

Valerie Sturdevant, who managed the Corner Door consignment store that closed a year ago in Wayzata, said that few furniture consignment shops are on the radar of adults in their late teens and 20s. “We saw our sales decrease 50 percent after Craigslist became popular,” she said. For store managers, the challenge is that furniture takes up more space but can’t command high prices or profits. The average selling price for furniture at Arc’s Value Village is $10. “Sales per square foot are lower on furniture items, but shopper interest is high,” said Arc’s business director, Laurel Hansen. Selling used furniture paid off for Kendra Anderson, owner of Movables Consignment in St. Paul, whose business is up 20 percent over last year. She’s finding that customers who consign soon come back to buy. “They want to mix it up,” she said. “People aren’t holding on to their furniture as long.”

Jay Hall, owner of Mainstreet Consignment in St. Louis Park, said business has been steady with little growth in the past few years. He thinks business will improve as younger people move up in their careers and realize that new, inexpensive furniture is not always a good value. “They’re smart. They recognize when something is of lower quality,” he said. “But in two years when they’re making more money, they’ll trade up.” New furniture retailers don’t appear to be losing sleep over lost sales to the used market.

Jerry Underwood, director of marketing at Hom Furniture and Gabberts, said the company is always looking on the periphery, “but the used furniture market isn’t on our radar yet,” he said. Peter Tourtellot of Anderson Bauman Tourtellot Vos industry consulting firm in Greensboro, N.C., thinks that will change. “I can see used furniture taking off as a market,” he said. “Both millennials and seniors are watching their money. It works in favor of the used furniture business.”

 

DEVICE PITSTOP: Husband-Wife Team Building a Business with Electronics Franchise

In this interview with new Device Pitstop owners Dave and Liz Root, they talk about starting out a new business – which they state is so much easier with the support they receive from the franchise team. ”They build a road map that we can follow from negotiating with the realtor, the size of the shop, the type of inventory, down to smallest detail….They help every step of the way. There is no way I would undertake this myself without their road map.” Not only do they get solid support and guidance, they’re starting a great – and very needed – business that buys, sells, and repairs desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones that are gently-used, like-new and always guaranteed. Source: kansascity.com

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CLOTHES MENTOR: Style Profile: Clothes Mentor Associate Goes for Casual-Cool Style

Here’s a fun interview with a Clothes Mentor store associate in Fargo, North Dakota.  Even for a casual, fun look, Clothes Mentor is a great place to shop for gently-used, like-new pieces. In fact, no matter what your style – Clothes Mentor offers great pieces for all women! Source: inforum.com If she could trade closets with anyone, Emma Ilvedson would choose Gwyneth Paltrow. Paltrow’s ability to look classic or trendy, dressy or casual appeals to Ilvedson. But the 20-year-old is quick to say she’s not a fan of the celebrity’s cringe-worthy quotes. I spotted Ilvedson downtown and could see why she covets Paltrow’s cool (yes, I said that), relaxed yet polished style. Ilverdson, who works at Clothes Mentor in Fargo, shared that she’s a style chameleon and bases her look on her mood. Describe your style. It depends on the day. I can look put-together or grungy. What’re you wearing today? Everything is from Clothes Mentor (a women’s resale clothing store). I have gray Converse Chuck Taylor shoes, Joe’s Jeans skinny jeans, a J. Crew shirt and necklace, Coach bag and Gap button-up shirt. Where do you shop? Clothes Mentor, J.Crew and Gap. What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now? My necklaces. Statement necklaces make a plain outfit cute. What’s the best style advice you know? It never hurts to look nice. You’ll have a better day. Who’s your style icon? Kendall Jenner. Her style is laid-back but cute. If you had an unlimited amount of money to spend on one fashion-related item, what would you buy? A set of Louis Vuitton luggage. Heels or flats? Both. Flats for day, usually. Do you have any fashion regrets? Anything I wore before college. What’s your favorite summer trend? Birkenstocks. I own six pairs. What’re the most timeless things a woman can own? Polka dots, Converse shoes and great-fitting skinny jeans.
Clothes Mentor associate modeling denim shirt over a bkack v-neck t-shirt and jeans, statement necklace
Emma Ilvedson’s closet is stocked with skinny jeans and sneakers. Anna G. Larson / The Forum
 

DEVICE PITSTOP: Device Pitstop Talks to Fox 9 News About Identity Theft & Security

Dustin Brantford of Device Pitstop talks to Fox 9 News about keeping yourself safe from identity theft on your devices – and what to do when it’s time to get a new device and make sure it’s clear of all of your data. Source: tveyes.com There have been too many instances of people’s desktops, laptops, and tablets getting hacked, and it’s happening more and more frequently. It is crucial to keep yourself safe from hackers and identity theft. Thanks, Dustin. Nice job on giving us some good pointers. Take a look at the video…and don’t forget to stop in to your local Device Pitstop so their certified technicians can help you out with this issue personally! Device Pitstop screenshot from video about keeping security safe, Device Pitstop employee Dustin Brantford  

CHILDREN’S ORCHARD: Children’s Orchard, Milford Wins Three Awards!

We love when our franchisees receive recognition for their great work. In the case of the Children’s Orchard in Milford, Massachusetts, they got not one but three awards! Source: wickedlocalfavorites.com In the tradition of the Boston area, the awards are called “Wicked Local Favorites.” With over 500,000 votes from newspaper readers in the area, it’s pretty impressive that Children’s Orchard, Milford, won three awards…and they didn’t even solicit any votes! In the past the store has won an award each year, but this is the first time they have won three! The awards were given to them in the following categories: Children’s Clothing – Regional Bronze for the 18 town region called West 3. Children’s Clothing – Honorable Mention Consignment – #1 in Milford Congratulations on well-deserved recognition and wins to the Children’s Orchard, Milford! Children's Orchard graphic showing reader's choice award won  

NEW USES: Summer Inventory at New Uses!

Stop in to your local New Uses and see what we have for great summer furniture. We carry everything from patio furniture to fun accessories to have outdoors. And we can always use new inventory…so maybe you would like to bring in your gently-used patio furniture and buy something that is like new from us to freshen up your patio, yard, or deck with a different look this year.

We can always use new pieces in our inventory – and remember something that you’ve had for a bit that is gently-used will be new to someone else. Bring in your high quality pieces and trade them up for something that is like new – and new and fun to you!

New Uses group of items that the store is buying: side table, coffee maker, lamp, microwave, side chair, artwork, blender, sideboard cabinet

 

CLOTHES MENTOR: New Clothes Mentor Commercial!

In the first of three new Clothes Mentor commercials, you can really see some of the great styles we have in our stores. Check out the commercial and visit a Clothes Mentor close to you – where you can get great like-new fashions for a lot less money!

CLOTHES MENTOR: Announcing the Clothes Mentor App!

At Clothes Mentor we have an exciting new tool to make shopping at the stores even easier! It’s our first official Clothes Mentor mobile app!

Once you download the Clothes Mentor app, you will be able to do all these things from your phone or tablet:

  • Search Store Locator to find a store near you.
  • Look by store on social media to see our newest inventory.
  • Access your Club CM Rewards account to view your points balance, purchase history, and birthday and reward certificates.
  • Schedule your FREE style consult with our personal shopper service at participating stores.
  • Have quick access to frequently asked questions.
  • Visit our news section for the latest updates and blog posts.
  • Access our new Fashion Blog – Coming soon!

At Clothes Mentor we not only buy and sell gently-used designer apparel and accessories that are like new – we stay on top of technology and make your busy life easier. Download the app today – it’s the newest and most convenient way to make your shopping experience at Clothes Mentor that much more accessible and enjoyable!

CHILDREN’S ORCHARD: Summer is Here!

Summer is officially here, and along with that comes the need for some fun play clothes for your kids!

As the weather gets warmer, kids want to be outside and play. They need shorts and shoes and comfortable tees. At Children’s Orchard, we have all of the things your kids need to play outside – at up to 70% off of retail prices. You can also find clothing and shoes that are gently-used and like-new for your kids. At the same time, you can bring in their gently-used apparel that they’ve outgrown and get cash on-the-spot or use it towards some new outfits for your kids.

Help your kids to get outside and enjoy the summer weather – they can play in comfort in like-new clothing…and you can save yourself a lot of money in the process!

Children's Orchard models on the beach, boy dressed in white polo and long jean shorts, girl dressed in white dress, both wearing sunglasses and jumping in the sand

 

DEVICE PITSTOP: We Make It Easy to Be Green!

At Device Pitstop, we make it easy to be green. In today’s world, being green and being kind to the environment is really important. At Device Pitstop, we follow that every single day.

We buy your gently-used smartphones, iPhones, laptops, MacBooks, desktops, and iMacs – and if we can’t fix them, we use the parts on other machines we repair or we recycle them for you in a responsible way. On top of that, you can get a like-new device from us that is also gently used – helping the recycling and reusing process even more. You also get a fantastic price on anything you buy from us along with a guarantee that it is in good shape and works great.

Stop in to your local Device Pitstop and see what we have to offer. You are being kind to the environment, purchasing a great device, and saving a boatload of cash – not to mention the cash we pay you on-the-spot if you just sell us your gently-used device. You’re being green, saving money on a like-new device, or just pocketing the cash – a win-win for you no matter which way you go!

Device Pitstop graphic with computer keyboard and text that says reduce, reuse and recycle