With today’s high gas prices and sluggish economy, it’s no wonder luxury retailers are fretting. Consumers are feeling the squeeze, rethinking that quick jaunt to Boston to shell out the dough for the latest Marc Jacobs bag. But what if you could find designer labels like Missoni or Nanette Lapore, or vintage Henri Bendel, right here on the North Shore, and put those dollars back into our local economy? Rethinking “consignment” might mean that the chic city wardrobe of your dreams is closer than you think.
Not long ago, “consignment” was a word mostly whispered if said at all. It did little to soothe our discomfort with buying, much less wearing, another’s toss-aways. But fashion-forward cities like Paris have led the way by taking the “un-cool” out of consignment with trendy resale boutiques popping up on nearly every corner. Here at home, thanks to concern for the environment and the economy, recycling and frugality are now fashionable. Nowhere is this more evident than right here on the North Shore. Used clothing stores ranging from funky thrift shops to upscale boutiques are everywhere. Some have just opened. Others have been around 30 years or more. The new ones are attracting attention, and the older ones are getting a second look. Come along with me on this “something
for everyone” road trip as we wind through some of our favorite coastal towns to check out this new life of consignment.
We start our tour in the charming seaside town of Marblehead, where consignment is a big business. Currently there are three shops within a few steps of one another. Rumors of a new kid coming to town keep competition robust.
Treasure Chest has been at its original location at 124 Pleasant St. for over 30 years. It is the oldest consignment shop in town and by far the most modest, with its no-nonsense, no-frills appearance. While the selection varies from day to day, the consistent list of consignors and the shop’s inclusion in the “Best of Northshore” awards tell us they are doing something right. The store is larger than its local competitors, and the only one in Marblehead to offer a small selection of high-end men’s clothing, too. The true designer labels are not abundant, but if you show up on the right day and delve in, they are there for the taking. The day of our visit, the store is bustling with activity. Three different consignors wait to drop off their castoffs. A great pair of AG jeans (looking hardly worn) for $58 and a perfect pair of black strappy Stuart Weitzman sandals for $48 marked the beginning of a daylong binge.
Immediately to the right at 120 Pleasant St. is the second-oldest consignment shop in town, Rags to Riches. A fire forced the owner to close down the original location five years ago. But with repeated requests from customers, Rags to Riches was soon back, making the most of its new space on Pleasant Street with an eclectic mix of trendy and very reasonably priced shoes, handbags, funky jewelry, jeans, and summer T’s. We have our choice of color and size with the selection of Michael Stars T-shirts, and I find yet another pair of great jeans, this time Sevens. I eye a bohemian Nanette Lepore sundress from afar, but as I make my way toward it, a 20-something moves in, confirming my suspicion that I may be outgrowing Nanette!
At the edge of Old Town at 231 Washington St. is the most recent newcomer in Marblehead, Madam Had’em, which opened its doors in 2004. A beautiful interior complete with custom-designed Victorian-style shelving and display cases has customers asking, “Is it really consignment?” The offerings here are consistently upscale, with designers like Manolo Blahnik, Prada, and Pucci making up the majority of Madam’s merchandise. The strict policies of “designer only” and “no more than two years old” keep the merchandise both top-notch and current. A nutmeg-colored Chloe Paddington bag retailing for $1,540 is selling here for $650 – a steal given its “new” condition. I find a black Max Mara skirt, long and sheer lace over an opaque slip, with the original retail tag of $298 still on it.
Paying only $48 for it, I tell myself I am actually earning money by purchasing it. I do this when finding a treasure at TJ Maxx or Marshalls too. I show my husband the tag that says, “Compare at” so he knows how much money we are actually saving. People come from Boston and Lexington to get first dibs, and the word is spreading quickly. The highly coveted “Gold” award for consignment shops in Marblehead was just awarded to Madam Had’em in June.
Marbleheaders have yet another hidden treasure in the Magic Hat Thrift Shop, located behind the Marblehead Veterans Middle School at 217 Pleasant St. This little engine that could began when a small group of parents decided to lend a hand to the public schools in their district. The all-volunteer staff sells adult and children’s clothing, household items, toys, games books –and most important, a very generous mentality. The result? A perfect illustration of the maxim attributed to Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Exiting Marblehead and heading west on 114, we come to Modern Millie. With its strong sense of whimsy, it seems the embodiment of Salem’s refreshing irreverence. Located at 103 Washington St., “Millie” is smack-dab in the heart of Witch City. With wonderful curbside appeal, Millie’s draws attention from drive-by and foot traffic alike with its ever-changing sidewalk mannequin, sales bins, and colorful windows. I am amazed at the number of people rummaging through the sidewalk bins, intent on finding gold. Although the space is small, its warmth feels inviting rather than stifling. The store buzzes with college students, tourists, and resale gurus in search of great prices and that authentic vintage boutique feel. Hats, beads, scarves, and hip summer frocks all packed into less than 500 square feet. A gorgeous black satin evening bag (think Audrey Hepburn) with a gold lame latch opens to reveal its yellowed original “Saks Fifth Avenue” label. For a mere $25, I am reincarnated.
Heading north along the scenic Route 1A North, we follow 128 to the end of the earth and into “America’s Oldest Seaport,” on Cape Ann. We park on Main Street in Gloucester and watch the locals mingle, soaking up their beloved heritage, reminding us once again of how few places are as unencumbered as this seaside residence. The Dress Code, at 159 Main St., has been in business for more than 10 years, and its spiritual focus on “cleansing” is evident. A strong theme of offering people a place to rid themselves of their hoarding mentality and to give back to the community has been responsible for attracting over 5,000 consignors from not only Massachusetts, but New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, as well as Maine and Vermont. The feeling of honesty resonates here, and I feel compelled to offer more than asked for a scarf that catches my eye: $8 seems too little to pay for something that could be used as a belt and a scarf. After leaving, one feels an overwhelming desire to “let go” of material things. The Dress Code serves as inspiration by not only donating to shelters as so
Other Stores Worthy of a Visit:
Pandora’s Box
14 Pleasant St.
Newburyport, MA 01950
978.463.3377
Gentry’s Consignments
49 Liberty St.
Newburyport, MA 01950
978.463.0040
Moxie Fashion
Consignment & Antiques
244 Newburyport Tpke.
Rowley, MA 01969
978.948.3351
A Change of Pace
6 Washington St
North Reading, MA 01864
978.664.1188
Rerun Boutique
330 Rantoul St.
Beverly, MA 01915
978.922.5422
Second Avenue
315-A Cabot St.
Beverly, MA 01915
978.927.7023
The Mercantile
68 Park St.
Andover, MA 01810
978.475.7940