Saige, Greenville's Newest Entrepreneur

Consignment shops are stores that offer used goods at a lower cost than new. Many offer new items as well. At the conclusion of the sale, it is usually understood that the seller pays the person who owns the item a portion of the proceeds from the sale. Payment is made when the item actually sells. There has been a big boom of consignment stores in the Upstate of South Carolina. However, one of the newest shops is in Greenville, South Carolina at 221 Pelham Rd #105 next to the famous Adam's Bistro. It is called Saige (pronounced sage, like the spice) and is packed full of upscale women's clothing at a great discount. I asked the owner, Saige Irlacher, a few questions about opening a new store in this struggling economy and what she feels her prospects are for the holiday season.

How long have you been open?

Three weeks.

Three weeks? How has business been so far?

It's been great! I've not done advertising yet and I don't have my sign up yet. I did a soft opening but I've had a lot of people coming through; a lot of people wandering down from other shops. A really good response from people.

What plans do you have for holiday advertising?

(Pause) I don't know yet! (Laughter) I do have a lot of gifts I'm bringing in from local artists; jewelry makers, purse makers, mitten makers... stuff like that.

Oh, that's wonderful!

Um-hmmm. Because with consignment it's used clothing so it isn't typically something you'd buy for someone else unless you know they really like consignment, so I am bringing in a lot of new things and trying to support the local artists at the same time.

So you do feel strongly about supporting the local artists and crafts people?

I do. It's something I really wanted to do. This is my first small business, so I've tried very hard to frequent other small businesses. Anything they can get to help them spread the word and promote their products. It's hard when you are starting off and don't have the money for marketing.

Absolutely.

And I'm big on quality. I like really well made items and they are.

Let me ask you, with the economy the way it has been, what made you choose now to open your small business now?

Well, mostly because it is a consignment store. Even though most retail has taken a hit, in the past five years consignment has seen a 30% increase.

Wow!

And I myself have worked in consignment for years and I love it, so I knew it was what I wanted to do and when I started doing all the research, with the economy people are being more and more careful and they are heading to consignment stores. You can get your high end, designer clothing at a third of the price.

So you feel optimistic about the holiday season?

I do, I do. I think people are still being careful and budgeting and so the items I'm bringing in are smaller, good stocking stuffer type items. I don't know that people will be buying high end stuff as they did in the past, but I think people are definitely out shopping and getting ready for after Thanksgiving Day sales.

Are you going to participate in Black Friday?

Yes.

Opening early?

No, I'll work the same hours. I might do a little something, I haven't decided yet, but it's consignment; I'm selling for other people so I can't necessarily discount everything, but I'll do something.

How do you feel about your prospects for the holiday season?

I feel good about it but I don't expect some huge boom like a lot of retailers have. December is actually probably going to be one of my worst months (Laughter). Well people are out buying gifts for others and this isn't where you're going to come. People are going to come here to buy clothes for themselves and in December you are not necessarily buying clothes for yourself. But hopefully I'll get those people who say "ooh, I just want to spend a little bit on myself!" so I think it will still be good. I have a lot of people coming in; I think the gifts will definitely go and a lot of people getting gifts will need to clean out their closets, so they'll be in here wanting to bring me clothes.

Do you expect a lot of people to come in looking for holiday celebration clothing for Christmas and New Year's Eve?

Yeah! I have had a lot of demand for evening gowns for New Years and Christmas parties and a lot of people are bringing me gowns they wore in the past and don't want anymore. So definitely.

So you specialize in women's clothing, I see.

Yes, ladies clothing and I also have a big maternity section because I think maternity is a great thing for consignment because maternity clothes are expensive and you wear them for maybe three or four months before you outgrow them and have to buy new maternity clothes. No one wants to keep those in their closet so I have had a good response from that as well.

One final question, what is your ultimate goal for Saige? Are you happy with one store or do you want to go for world domination?

(Laughter) I'm planning to just be successful and happy here. I like having the business, it's my baby. There is room here in back to for me to expand into and I would like to eventually expand in this space. And possibly open another shop here in Greenville or Simpsonville, but no I don't want world domination. I like the freedom of owning my own business and it's not overly stressful. I don't want to go back to corporate life!

If you are near the Upstate, SC area and would like to visit Saige, please feel free to contact: Saige Irlacher Owner- Consignment Boutique 221 Pelham Rd #105 Greenville, SC 29615 (864) 233-5441 Saige@saigeconsignment.com

Bring in a copy of this article and get 5% off your purchase.

Source: Saige Irlacher, Personal Interview, 11/21/2010