The economics of thrift
Renew Consignment and Thrift offers a unique shopping and selling experience

[March 09, 2018]   

LINCOLN

The final installment of the series of stories on the economics of thrift, the feature store is Renew Consignment and Thrift.

This store is a little different than the previous three in that while it is a thrift, the larger focus is on consignment. It is also different in that it is a privately owned, for-profit business with no affiliation to any other organizations.

The store, like the others is a treasure trove of goodies. From men’s suits to evening gowns, blue jeans to t-shirts, shoes, bags, scarves and much more, the clothing section of the store is very well stocked with clean, gently used garments for children, teens, and adults.

For the antique and collectible buyer, this store is a real gem. Walking in the variety of items from antique Hoosier-style cabinets to solid wood table, to more modern pieces such as sofas and chairs, a savvy shopper could practically furnish a home right from this store.

The collectibles and housewares selection is out of this world, with glass and dinnerware, baking dishes, vintage items, crocks, and much, much more.

The store is located at 201 South Sangamon. Part of Lincoln’s Historic Downtown District that lines the railroad tracks, it is just a couple of blocks south of the historic Lincoln Depot.

The building where the store is located is no stranger to thrift businesses as there have been multiple thrift businesses located at this location, and the Renew name has gone through a couple of owners.

Today, the store is owned by three ambitious ladies, Angie Bossingham, Jennifer Schneider and Liz Hays. The ladies purchased the store name and inventory in October 16, 2017 and have been grooming the business into their dream shop since then.

The officially named manager is Angie, but the business is a three way partnership that works. According to Bossingham one of the big reasons it works is because the owners have staff that is reliable and great with the customers.

Depending on the day of week and time of day, customers will be assisted by either Roger Mote or Jenni Mollet. Bother are hardworking and friendly with the customers, always ready to assist shoppers in any way possible. Bossingham said that in addition to the two staff, the owners have very supportive family members who pitch in and help when needed and also encourage the three in their business endeavor. All three of the owners work full time jobs in other locations, so the support they have from trustworthy staff and caring family members is very important.

While the store does accept donations, their primary focus is on the consignment portion of the store. Consignment can be a great experience for sellers and buyers. First, folks who have good clothing that they hate to throw away, and would like to see a little bit of a return on their investment, may choose to use consignment simply because it answers those needs.

Selling furniture and housewares on consignment is also a great way to clean out a room for something new, adding a little cash to the kitty for the new, or setting it aside for a rainy day event.

Bossingham said the variety of items the store will take on consignment is limitless, but she does offer a suggestion when it comes to large pieces such as furniture. The best thing to do Bossingham says is take a photo of the item you would like to consign and stop in and discuss the consignment before you go to the effort of hauling it in. She said this gives her and the staff an opportunity to determine whether or not the item is something they believe will sell, and also they will need to figure out if they have room in the store to display the item.

Asked what they were most proud of about the store, Bossingham responded, “We are very proud of our store as a whole. It is clean, organized, and changing all the time. We are proud of our two amazing employees that go above and beyond for the betterment of the store, and we are proud to offer an amazing selection of items for shoppers from Lincoln and surrounding areas.” She concluded saying, “and we are most proud of the way the community has embraced the new Renew!”

Shoppers seem to really love the store, including Bonnie Frawley who shops the store on a regular basis. Bonnie was happy to share her thoughts on Renew Consignment and Thrift. “Renew offers an eye-catching display of home furnishings, décor, and housewares. You will also find a huge assortment of baby accessories, infant, kiddo, and adult clothing all clean and in current styles, books, toys, vintage items, a grand assortment of purses, jewelry, shoes and more.

Frawley commented that the staff is also great and greet every customer with “Hi, how are you? Good to see you!”

Finally she said the store is a happy place and it is made up of “a few homegrown gals living their dream.”

Renew Consignment and Thrift is open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you are interested in selling items on consignment, stop by the store or call them at 217-605-0495.

If you looking for a fun, clean, cozy and comfortable shopping experience the next time you’re in town, be sure to Renew Consignment and Thrift on your list!

[Nila Smith]