Owner tells of the appeal of consignment shopping as almost new, easy, fast
By Nora Cardec

Wanda Pero's store, the Unique Boutique, is the only clothing consignment store in town and it is located on Main Street.

Wanda Pero, of Townsend, said she got into consignment shopping when she was in high school.

Factors such as the distance of the nearest mall, expensive prices, living in a rural community and the cost of living all pointed to consignment.

Six years ago, Pero opened her own consignment store, Unique Boutique, at 536 Main St. in Townsend.

"Most people out here are not mall shoppers," she said. "They like to shop for name brands at reasonable prices in a place that is small and friendly."

As a young girl, Pero said she knew how frustrating it was for her mother and friends not to find their sizes at the consignment stores they frequented.

Pero, , a native of Vermont has lived in town for nine years, said her business experience has been a learning path with hard work and enjoyment at the same time.

Initially, she was set out to sell candles she was making at home. The idea of the consignment store rose after seeing the property, which was used as storage for various businesses.

For the first four years of her business, Pero maintained a second job while running Unique Boutique. She said she learned women like to shop more than man, and jeans are the number one item sought out by females.

"It's always a gamble when you take the plunge (into starting your own business)," she said. "But when you work for yourself, there's no greater reward."

"I love this. I like doing this because it's social. I believe this business is a service to the community."

Unique Boutique is the only clothing consignment store in town.

According to Pero, consignment shoppers know what they want and like to find it fast. They also like to establish a relationship with the store's owner - much like shopping in the old days. But for most, the primary reason to seek consignment is affordability.

"Consignment is in now," she said. "It's recycling and large families can afford clothing for their children."

Unique Boutique offers clothing for women, men and children along with shoes and accessories. Divided by racks, jeans, infant sizes, maternity clothes, sweaters, jackets and dresses in all sizes are neatly displayed in the small and clean space.

"This is not rummaging clothing. They are not smelly," said Pero. "It's gently used clothing, clean and carefully selected; some with its original tags."

The store also carries custom-made jewelry, sports paraphernalia, candles, handbags, some baby furniture and home decorating items.

While many consignments stores stay away from large sizes, Pero said large sizes is one of the reasons for her success. And she keeps them on the same rack with all other sizes.

Unique Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days per week.

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Nora Cardec is a correspondent for The Community Journal and can be reached at: ncardec@yahoo.com or (978) 827-3386. Ext. 10.