Pocono News Section

Struggling Economy Helps Consignment Shops Grow

Struggling Economy Helps Consignment Shops Grow - Friday, October 10, 2008 at 6:23PM EST

Reported by: KylaCampbell
Friday, Oct 10, 2008 @ 06:23pm EST

WYOMING, LUZERNE COUNTY -- With the struggling economy, many people are pinching pennies. And even pennies add up to enough to buy used items. That’s why local consignment shop owners believe their concept is growing in popularity.

"People just aren't spending money like they used to,” said Janine Hennigan, the owner of “R Kids 2 Yours,” a consignment shop in Wyoming. “I think the economy has had an impact on the local consignment shops.”

But, in a good way. Hennigan says her business is booming. “From last year to this year, people are really coming in, especially for the basic clothing, not anything special, just the necessities."

"The kids aren't in them for that long,” said Janet Renna of Exeter, who was browsing for clothes in Hennigan’s shop. “Why would you pay a lot more for something when you can come in here and get it practically new?”

Hennigan says by shopping for gently used clothes, people pay a fraction of what they'd pay for new clothes, and they can put the saved money towards other necessities. "A lot of them are nervous with the economy, so they come in here and they don't go up to the malls as much," added Hennigan.

Renna says the concept of consignment shopping is growing among her friends and family, and she doesn't see it waning anytime soon. “You didn't used to do this years ago, but I'm glad they came up with the idea."

There are dozens of consignment shops in the area, and many of them work together. They each have niches, in order to avoid competition. You can learn more about “R Kids 2 Yours” at www. rkids2yours. com.