Pocono News Section

Consignment Shop Opens in the Poconos

Consignment Shop Opens in the Poconos - Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 04:17AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday June 09 2010
SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Fraya morris used to manage a big clothing store. But she was laid off in January. She recalled, "I was depressed. It was horrible. I didn't know what i wanted to do."

Then she learned she was pregnant and knew she needed a plan. Her husband Matt said, "I t was tough. It was real tough."

He came up with the idea for a clothing exchange. He explained, "I just always thought that was an interesting idea."

So the couple started to work on a business plan. Fraya said, "W e saved every single penny. No eating out. No shopping. We cut back on our grocery bills."

They used the savings to open DeNovo Clothing Exchange near East Stroudsburg. Fraya said, "DeNovo is latin for renew or refresh or begin again."

It was just the right name to go with their fresh start.

The store sells only designer brands. The average price is $15.

Pamela Fofana of East Stroudsburg said, "I come in here a lot because i'm looking for the designer without the price tag attached."

The most expensive item in the entire store is a designer shirt. It's going for $60. The retail value is $180.

Fofanahas hereyeon it. Shevisits the store every day. She said, "You can get the things that you want but at a reasonable price and it's not breaking your bank."

The owner said that's important to her - because her experience taught her how it feels to pinch pennies. But she's proved - you can turn a lay off around to create your own new beginning.

The store has two options. If they sell your used clothing you get twenty percent of the selling price in cash. If you choose to take payment in store credit you receive fifty percent of the selling price.