When it comes to making conscious buying choices that are earth- and community-friendly, sisters Erin Gant and Katrin Ophoff are ready to make a career out of it. Based on a firm belief that it's critical for all of us to be conscious of how our choices impact the planet, our community, society, and culture, the two have opened
The Conscious Collective Consignment shop at 445 Bridge St. NW.
With 1,700 square feet and some large storefront display windows, the shop is bright and inviting, welcoming customers to browse the aisles of gently used men's and women's fashions, plus-sized and maternity clothing, and home décor items.
The store also features new products handmade by local artisans, such as Kathleen "K.C." Andrews' Gatsby skirts made from men's dress shirts, Kristen Lundy's tree of life necklaces made of metals and chipped stones, and Joy Pryor's outdoor candleholders from repurposed glassware.
Consigners and artists will be able to track the sales of the items they drop off at the store through an online system, says Ophoff.
"They get an email invitation and a consigner number ID and can see how we've priced the item and how much it sold for," she adds, noting that consigners get 40 percent of the selling price, while artists get a bit more. "They can then request a check for the item, or if they want to use the sale as in-store credit, they get an extra five percent of what each item sold for."
The sisters did most of the store renovations themselves, recycling wood salvaged from walls inside the building and using repurposed apple crates for shelving -- all of which complements the timeless atmosphere created by the original wood floors and high tin ceilings.
Feb. 8 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Feb. 9 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) are the grand opening dates with fun activities planned for both days.
Store hours, beginning Feb. 10: Mon. - Sat. 10 - 7; Sun.11 - 4.
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
Images courtesy of Erin Gant and The Conscious Collective Consignment
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