Resale stores yield savings on home furnishings

Cary, N.C. — Resale stores can be the ticket to saving money on some furniture items or selling pieces no longer wanted.

Consigning Design in Cary is one of several home furnishing resale stores in the Triangle area.
Sandy West opened the store five years ago and has really seen business grow.

“It’s one of those things that people are catching on to. Why pay the retail price if you don't have to?,” West said.

Furniture resale is growing faster than any other segment of the resale industry, according to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops.

How does it work?

West takes items in, prices them, then splits the sale 50-50 with the owner. West makes a little, the seller makes a little and the buyer gets a deal.

“When you think about it, it’s 60 to 75 percent off retail. And if it’s hardly used, you know, it’s almost a no brainer,” West said.

Items at the store include artwork and dishes, some of which belonged to Marilyn Dill.

“These are my dishes that I decided I didn't need anymore,” Dill said while visiting the store.

Some deals at the store included a Cherry bedroom set for $1,200, two wingback leather chairs for $375 each and outdoor furniture.

Dill said she can only see one downside – bringing in something to sell often leads to leaving with a purchase.

“You're gonna get a nice piece of furniture, nice pictures, cause normally people don't bring junk to a consignment shop,” customer Betty Spence said.

Sometimes people are turned away because their items just can’t be sold, West said.

Most resale shops require appointments to drop off the merchandise for sale.