Several years ago, Ballston Spa had gained notoriety as the town that fought Walmart and won.  The big box giant came up against an impassioned citizenry who love there independent small business environment.  While Walmart moved on to easier pickings, Ballston Spa has thrived as an oasis for the entrepreneur.  Nowhere is that more evident than in the consignment business, which now offers three diverse options for bargain seeking shoppers.

Consignment shops are unique in that they are truly a local business. Not only are they owned by a local resident, all the items for sale are owned by local residents, who share in the proceeds of the sale.  The owner provides the storefront and the management, you and other people in the community provide the inventory.  Items are nearly new, but can be purchased at less than half the retail value and better.

Think of consignment and most people think of a clothing store.  But in the Old Chocolate Factory, there’s Saratoga Consignment Studio, run by Bonnie and Michael Grolley.  The old factory suits them well.  It’s the new use of an old building, and the Grolley’s are selling fine quality furniture and home accessories that are offered a new life to someone else.

The idea for a furniture consignment shop came to the Grolley’s accidentally while antiquing in Massachusetts.  They came upon a store selling top quality second hand furniture, and the proverbial light bulb turned on.  “We did a lot of research when we got home, and found that none else was doing this sort of thing in this area,” said Michael.  “Some stores were dabbling in furniture, but nothing really serious.  So we decided to make that furniture and home accessories the main focus of the business.”    Based on the inventory at hand, the couple has found some eager sellers.  Michael pointed out that they have a pre-approval process.  Items have to be in good shape, not needing any repair.  “We’ve got an Ethan Allen armoire over there that sells on their website for $3300, and we’ve got it priced at around $1700” he said.

The nice thing about shopping consignment is that you’ll never know what you’ll find.  At Saratoga Consignment Studio, they have contemporary items, as well as classic favorites.  I found a Cushman dining set that looked as new as the day it was made! The inventory changes weekly, so it’s a reason to return frequently.

Out on Milton Avenue, the main drag of Ballston Spa, drive slowly or you might miss the New 2 You Boutique, whose storefront is just a door, which leads to a basement shopping oasis.  Owner Terry Bailo specializes in quality women’s’ clothing and accessories.  Terry is very picky, and only accepts items in new condition, and preferably the high end brands.  She’s got names like Seven for All Mankind, True Religion, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, etc.  Don’t expect to pay designer prices in this bargain basement; for instance, Terry prices her Abercrombie and Fitch jeans at just $14!  Tell that to your teenage daughter.  “I know my customer, and I know what they will pay,” said Terry.   She loves to see her customer’s expressions when they find an item that they know would be big buck at the mall, and they’re giddy as a school girl at the unbelievable low price.

Terry is quick to point out that everyone has stuff in their closet that they don’t wear anymore.  “I have two year rule,” she said.  “If I haven’t touched in two years, it ends up her!” Customers can bring in their unwanted clothes, Terry sells them, and they pick up a check.  Many customer are eager to spend their earnings right back into the store, because the deals and the selection are too good to pass up.

Got tots?  Clothing your little bundle of joy can be an exercise in frustration, as babies grow out of things every other month, it seems.  Buying new outfits every few months quickly becomes a budget buster, so what can you do to save a few bucks?  Head on out of the Village of Ballston Spa and heading towards Saratoga, Look for the small plaza just before the Fifty South Restaurant, and you’ll find Pixies Closet.  Owner Kim Sorenson stocks clothing and accessories for newborns and toddlers, but at a fraction of the retail price you’d pay in the mall stores.  Like Terry and Michael, Kim is a stickler for quality, and accepts only clean and nearly new items into her store.  Kim stocks lots of formal wear – the stuff kids wear once and grow out of, but costs you lots.  Here, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.  Pixies Closet is not just for kid’s clothes, but all the accessories that young ones need, car seats, strollers – all the items that cost an arm and a leg, plus a growing selection of toys – perfect for the upcoming Christmas season.  The toys, just like the clothing, are nearly new, many in original boxes.  “I’m going to have a lot of brand new stuff, too,” said Kim.  “A lot of people are hurting with this economy, but they don’t want their kids to miss out the joy of Christmas.  The way I price stuff here, it’ll still be a merry Christmas.”

The common chord to all these shopping options in Ballston Spa is that they are keeping value flowing in our community.  All three shops draw people from as far as 50 miles away, people looking for a way to get some money for their unwanted items, or to find great deals.  The sellers earn a few bucks, the buyers save big, and the money generated is re-circulated back into the community.  It’s a win-win for everybody.  Consignment is the best value for your money, and best of all, it’s 100% local!