Consignment in St. James

Please don’t bear me any ill will, but…..I’m writing this column in my shorts and tee shirt looking out on a little man-made lake in 80 degree Florida weather, having missed most of the last snow deluge.  Rest assured I’m working very hard to get all my snow bird clients’ needs met and tending to my soon to-be 100 year old Dad (August 10, 1914), but I’m WARM!  Working in Florida the last few decades has helped me to develop some great sources on the East coast and also  appreciate some of my “can never be duplicated” sources here on Long Island.

A fun shopping experience in Florida is what led me to morphing Uniquely Natalie into a quality consignment destination.  Some of my all year round Florida clients have introduced me to many of the best places to get local bargains for them and my other clients.  While it is a popular “sport” on A1A on the Boca strip, it has not yet reached such proportions on Long Island.  Uniquely Natalie, from the looks of what people have to sell, may very well change that. 

Here’s how consignment shopping works.  You, the seller, start a clean up and organization campaign in your own home, saying “goodbye” to the stuff  from past family members or your last decorating re-do. Some in the garage, attic or basement can be worth dollars to you and give someone else the enjoyment of something “new”.  The consignment store views your merchandise and evaluates the item with you.  Together, you determine a fair price which you share equally and arrangements are then made for delivery to the store location.  It’s the seller’s responsibility to prepare merchandise for sale in its best light and the consignment stores’ job to market and advertise to attract as many shoppers as possible. 

St. James is a town that already has some wonderful consignment stores.  Curiosity’s Closet is a lovely shop with beautiful consignment clothing to benefit M.S.  Many antique shops take in merchandise on consignment as well.

Wouldn't it be great if the little hamlet of St. James filled with wonderful history and outstanding restaurants, might become the new destination for savvy shoppers who know a bargain when they see one?    And-consignment shopping is the ultimate in “green” recycling, as well as a “win-win” for everyone, plus the thrill of discovering hidden treasures has a charisma all its own.  For the designers on my staff, Uniquely Natalie will be yet another way to “play house” and decorate, and I love the idea of getting people to clean up, clear out and breathe!!

---