National Consignment Day

Autumn is a great time to sort through that fall and winter wardrobe and consider which clothes will be great for the upcoming season and which ones are no longer useful or in style.

Rather than just throwing them out, National Consignment Day provides an ideal opportunity to pass on those gently worn pieces of clothing to someone else who will love them.

It’s great for the earth, great for the budget, and great for keeping that style fresh!

History of National Consignment Day

Consignment shops can be traced back about seventy years to the 1950s, usually in small American towns and communities, likely as a way to reduce costs and promote making the most out of every item following the habits of WWII.

By the 1970s, consignment shops were gaining ground in larger cities, with the trend beginning in San Francisco and spreading through the US and Canada.

How to Celebrate National Consignment Day

Show some love for the earth and make a style statement at the same time on National Consignment Day with some of these ideas:

Understand the Benefits of Consignment Shops

While many people are die-hard fans of consignment and thrift shops, others might be new to the idea and looking for more reasons to try it out.

In honor of National Consignment Day, consider some of the positive benefits of this alternative form of shopping:

• Reduce Fast Fashion. The ever-changing fashion industry is responsible for a great many problems with the environment, with up to 10% of carbon emissions, massive water pollution and millions of tons of waste in landfills
• Get High End Brands for Less. Living on a budget but love designer styles? Consignment shops are a great way to save and still get those beloved looks
• Unique Styles. One way to make sure no one is wearing the same thing is by shopping in places that offer unique, one-of-a-kind items
• Support Local Businesses. Most consignment shops are local small businesses so shopping there gives a boost to someone in the neighborhood instead of a big chain

Make Some Fast Cash with Consignment

Cleaning out the closet? There might just be a few gems in there that could be worth a pretty penny! Sassy shoes that were only worn for that wedding. A designer suit that isn’t necessary now that working from home is a thing. Or perhaps a silk scarf (from the rich mother-in-law!) that is very expensive but will never be worn. Head on over to a local consignment shop (call first to make sure they are receiving) with some gently used, clean items and see what kind of cash can come from it.

Create a National Consignment Day Playlist

Everything is more of a celebration when it is put to music! And National Consingment Day is no exception. Show some love for this day while sorting through that wardrobe or the racks at the consignment shop by making a playlist of related tunes on Spotify, Apple Music or another online platform.

Check out some of these light-hearted songs from different eras to start compiling a list:

• Raspberry Beret by Prince (1985)
• Undone (The Sweater Song) by Weezer (1994)
• Devil with a Blue Dress by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels (1967)
• Fashion! By Lady Gaga (2013)