By DAN HEATH
trio of new consignment and second-hand shops have recently opened in downtown Plattsburgh.
Christina Bruce opened Downtown Deals in mid-October. It is located at 36 Miller St., just north of the U.S. Post Office.
"We have a little bit of everything," she said. "We try to have something for everyone and to keep it affordable."
The present inventory includes furniture, appliances, collectibles, antiques and more. Bruce said it allows her to take advantage of her love of collectibles and searching garage sales for deals.
"I try to find things I would want in my house," she said.
It is rewarding to offer affordable goods to the public. Most are in good condition, but at half price or less than new, she said.
Bruce said she graduated from Plattsburgh State with a Bachelor of Science Degree in psychology in May. She had trouble finding a job in that field, which led her to open the business.
"This is something I enjoy doing personally," Bruce said.
The wide variety of second-hand and consignment shops in downtown Plattsburgh gives people more chances to find what they want, Bruce said, but at an affordable price.
"I'm not in it for the money. It's a way to help the community," she said. "I know I can't afford to buy everything brand new."
Downtown Deals is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment Sunday.
Julie LaPier is the owner of DressCode, which opened in early August at 21 Bridge St.
"We take high-end, trendy clothes on consignment," she said.
That includes clothing, but also purses, belts, jewelry, coats, shoes and other accessories.
"We have items for all ages," LaPier said.
The store started with a focus on teens and young adults, but LaPier has had customers of all ages.
"Business has been great," she said. "There has been a huge response. I've been surprised at the number of high-school students who have come in."
All that business leads to a rapid inventory turnover, which keeps things fresh, LaPier said.
She will now have fashion shows on Facebook every Friday, so shoppers can see what's available. Potential customers can search Facebook using her name or e-mail address, dresscode3@yahoo.com.
LaPier said she will start displaying prom dresses in December.
Research shows consignment shops do well no matter the state of the economy.
"There are people who are die-hard consignment shoppers," LaPier said.
LaPier said she was a business teacher at Northeastern Clinton Central School until her position was cut. That was when she fell back on the business plan she wrote last December.
"I didn't know if I would ever use it," LaPier said. "My parents thought I was crazy at first."
People bring their clothes and accessories in so LaPier can examine them. She will select those she finds appropriate for display in the shop.
Typically, the items are on display for 90 to 120 days. If they are sold, it is for a 50-50 split.
The owners can drop by to pick up a check, have it mailed or use the sale price as a store credit.
DressCode is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Matt Chandler opened Chandler Antiques at 66 Margaret St. in early September. It is in the former Singer sewing shop.
"I sell quite an eclectic collection. I have a little bit of something for everybody," he said.
That includes antiques, furniture, costume jewelry, coins, LPs, DVDs, VHS tapes and vintage video games. There is even a small selection of eight-track tapes.
"Business has been good. I buy and sell stuff every day," Chandler said. "I expect that to continue until after Christmas."
He used to be a vendor at the Antique and Variety Mall just down the street, but took the chance to open his own business. Chandler said he doesn't think the business is necessarily tied to the down economy.
"I think people are always looking for a deal," he said.
His customers seem to prefer older, American-made furniture. It seems to be of a higher quality, Chandler said, not press board like so much available today.
He said it's nice to be his own boss, even though he's harder on himself than his previous employers.
Chandler Antiques is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. He is closed Sundays so he can search for bargains at area auctions.
"I'm always willing to negotiate on prices," Chandler said.
The new stores complement established downtown thrift and variety shops such as Little Folks Trading Post at 187 Margaret St., Bridge Street Auction Service at 1 Durkee St., The Bargainer at 39 Bridge St., Antiques and Variety Mall at 12 Margaret St., Lake City Flea Market at 50 Margaret St., the Adirondack Humane Society Thrift Shop at 89 Bridge St., Not Necessarily New (also benefits the Adirondack Humane Society) at 90 Bridge St. and Transitions (benefits Hospice of the North Country) at 37 Bridge St.
E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com
