In Italy, they call it “Il Mercantino” or “the little market” when referring to consignment shops. In recent years “the little market” is big business and in the Fishers/Geist area, consignment shopping is hotter than ever!
“Consigned by Design” — an upscale furniture/housewares consignment shop – opened its doors at 7035 E. 96th street (Near Sam’s Club) last month. This is the store’s second location after several years of success at its Geist location (11659 Fox Road). “We had about 700 visitors for the Grand Opening,” says Dana Johnson who owns the store with husband Jeff. “We had a great turnout and great sales!”
The Johnsons took over the Geist store in 2009 (it originally opened in 2004) and business has been booming ever since. So, what’s the attraction? “Repurposing is very popular now,” says Dana. “One of your ‘under loved’ items could be exactly what somebody else is looking for. You make money without the work of a garage sale!”
Consigned by Design is full of clean furniture arranged with coordinating accessories. These are not thrift shop pieces at thrift shop prices. I found items ranging from $18 decorative shelves to a Fairmont Designs table with 6 chairs for $1,399.00. The emphasis is on quality and not just the lowest possible price.
Speaking of prices, all tags show the date of the next price drop (items only stay 120 days) leading to a waiting game as shoppers hold off to see if their desired item is still there when the price drops. “I tell people if they like it, buy it today because most likely when they come back it will be gone,” laughs Jeff. “I’ve seen it happen to my own mother!”
Consigned by Design is now open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. If you are interested in selling your items, give them a call at 317-823-1300. You can get more information at www.consignedbydesigngeist.com, and on their new Facebook page, as well. Stay tuned, we may see more Consigned by Design shops pop up if “the little market” continues to be such big business!
