Shopping the Resale Revolution:

I was a child of the seventies, and like many kids of my generation...my wardrobe consisted mostly of hand-me-downs, garage sale finds, or resale shop fashions. Back then, it was just part of life for a lot of kids. Even if parents could afford to buy new, buying used clothing and shoes just made better sense to thrifty shoppers.
In post-seventies decades, buying used or resale seemed to fall out of favor after many consumers placed a social stigma against thrift stores and used clothing or shoes. The malls, department stores, and the internet saw increased traffic throughout the shopping seasons. But in light of our country's recent recession and the financial state of many American families, resale and consignment shops have once-again landed back in the spotlight; shattering the stigma against used goods and relabeling these same items as trendy...vintage treasures.

There seems to be a resale revolution taking place on the fashion-front. And because of this, resale is one of the fastest growing segments of retail, and has seen a growth in stores nationwide by approximately 7% a year...for the past several years. According to consumer research firm America's Research Group, approximately 16 to 18 percent of American consumers will shop at thrift stores and about 12 to 15 percent at resale or consignment stores in a given year. Add value and saving money to the big boom in recycling and renewable goods, and buying resale is a win-win situation.

For many of us eco-friendly, fashion conscience...money-wise families, buying previously worn or lightly used clothing and shoes just makes better sense all across the board. I, for one, have been on this band-wagon for years and have discovered a gem of resale and consignment shops here in the Fort Worth area. Here are a few of my local favorites:

The YWCA Resale Shop :

Located at 6500 Camp Bowie Blvd in West Fort Worth's affluent Ridglea Hills area, The YWCA Resale Shop has the best that resale has to offer in designer labels and quality of goods. I have shopped here many times, and enjoy the experience and friendly faces of the volunteer shop clerks and workers every time I visit. I have discovered many designer brand-names from Ann Taylor LOFT, to Tommy Bahama for my husband, always in new to excellent condition.

They even have a great selection of household goods and furniture...books, knick-knacks, shoes, accessories and jewelry...to name only a few treasures. But the best part, for me, about shopping at YWCA Resale is that 100% of the store's proceeds go to help disadvantaged women and children of Tarrant County . What could be better than that!

Go HERE to find out how to Donate Items to the YWCA Resale Shop.

Live, Laugh, Shop :

Located at 9520 Camp Bowie West, Live Laugh Shop...on the Boulevard is a trendy little shop in the country-outside the Loop 820 corridor-but offers big city style and flair. I love this chic...new consignment shop for the friendly staff and the great selection of new and previously owned clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and home décor.

The times I've shopped at LLS have landed me some really great items, such as a Hippie-Chick pair of high-heel...Lumberjack style lace-up boots with faux fur trim, a 'to die for' vintage Dooney & Bourke ...canvas and leather satchel bag...100% authentic, and some really fabulous shirts and tops; some with original tags still attached, as well as a fashionable 'bling' ring.

With something for everyone and competitive prices, LLS is perfect for savvy shoppers all across D/FW. This women-owned business is a real Fort Worth gem-of-a-shop, and well worth the drive to the city's far West Side outskirts. For a list and photos of new and trendy items, visit Live...Laugh...Shop on Facebook. They are always getting new...quality consignment items .

Open Tuesday thru Saturday-closed Sunday and Monday.

2 U It's NU :

Located at 4975 S Hulen Street, right across from The Hulen Mall , this little consignment shop offers trendy, high quality designer clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as various other decorative items for children and adults. The friendly staff will even work with you on a Lay-a-Way plan and reasonable pricing. In a great location for serious shoppers, 2 U It's NU is open weekdays and Saturdays, but is closed Sundays.

Rugrats Resale :

Located at 6720 Camp Bowie Blvd, close to the Ridglea area on Fort Worth's West Side, Rugrats offers an abundance of quality...new and previously owned items for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kids. I've shopped at Rugrats many times, and I always come-away happy with my purchases. Not only do they sell a great selection of baby and kids clothes, toys, car seats, baby beds...swings...high chairs, and toddler beds; but they also buy quality items for resale.

Open Tuesday thru Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday, Rugrats offers a friendly staff, great selection of quality baby items and kids clothing, and a quiet...relaxing, kid-friendly shopping experience.

WORKS CITED:

http://www.narts.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3285

http://therecoverytimes.com/?p=1588

http://www.ywca.org

http://google.com

http://www.yp.com

http://www.consignmentstoreftworth.com

http://www.wikipedia.org

http://www.superpages.com