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Hard times boost sales at bargain shops
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - October 15, 2008)
Hard times boost sales at bargain shops
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Shoppers appear to be heading for bargains at resale shops in Geauga County as finances become tighter.
"Oh, definitely," said Frank Foldesi, who is co-owner with his wife, Maureen, of Refound Treasures, 11777 Mayfield Road (Route 322) in Munson Township.
Mr. Foldesi said interest in his business, the largest consignment store in the county at 4,000 square feet, began spiking around June. He said he has seen an increase in the number of customers and sales.
Margie Crowe, manager of the American Cancer Society Discovery Store, said the "upscale retail" shop at 102 Cherry St. in Chardon has had a rise in sales as people look to save money. "People are coming in to do their back-to-school, fall wardrobe shopping," she said.
The store has always drawn a number of area senior citizens and young mothers, but now there seem to be even more, Ms. Crowe said. "I'm still looking for teens," she added.
Refound Treasures operates on consignment, while the Discovery Store relies on donations of goods.
Mr. Foldesi said he opened his Munson store about a year ago, after four years in Huntsburg Township. Within the past year, he said, his competition has increased with two new resale shops opening in Newbury Township and another in Middlefield.
In March and April, he said, the store was drawing about 50 to 60 customers a day. Now, Mr. Foldesi said, the store is bringing between 80 and 85. "It looks like a revolving door in here," he said.
The store specializes in "gently used" furniture, antiques and baby items, as well as new gift items.
"People are saying, 'We're so glad you're here,'" Mr. Foldesi said. "Gas is too expensive to drive all the way to the mall."
Ms. Crowe said most people do not come out and say why they came to the store, although some may comment about the price of gasoline and that shopping there offers them a break. "It helps them with their monthly budgets," she said.
Ms. Crowe said that, in December 2007, the store was recording sales of around $11,900. By April, the store was showing sales of $15,000, she said. "That's probably when gas prices started to go up."
Formerly known as the Good Buys Store, the shop offers clothing, jewelry, housewares, furniture and pictures.
Ms. Crowe said those who shop not only get good bargains, but the sales also support cancer research and advocacy.
One of eight Discovery Stores in Ohio run by the American Cancer Society, it is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The store has extended hours on Tuesday until 7 p.m. and is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mr. Foldesi said that, besides selling furniture at half the price of new items, the store offers an opportunity to recycle furniture.
The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
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