Resale Shops in Traverse City

When I decided to tour the local resale shops for this article I didn't realize how much it was going to cost me, as I ended up buying items at quite a few of the stores. On the other hand, think of all the money I saved by buying second-hand stuff!

In addition to being good for the budget, shopping at resale shops saves resources by buying items that have already been produced, and supports local businesses instead of large corporations. Here's my list of the resale shops I visited.

Twice as Nice
318 Vine Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
947-2507

• in business since 1982
• 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday
• consignment shop specializing in classy women's clothing, career clothing for women, sportswear, designer and name brands, and collectibles.

I spoke with Mary White, co-owner, who was very friendly. She looked at what I was wearing, went in the back, and came out with a flax jacket and said, "This just came in. It looks like something you'd like." I bought it. Consignment items can be brought over anytime during store hours. The business is located in an old house and has a very comfortable atmosphere. There is a good selection of clothes, all in very good condition, and lots of knick knacks. Prices seemed very reasonable. There are two floors of clothes, and the only draw-back is that it is not barrier-free to the second floor and is a bit tight on the first floor. I'll definitely be back!

Ebb Tide
South Airport Rd.
Logan's Landing complex;
Traverse City, MI 49684
935-1600

• in business for six years
• Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat. &endash; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Friday &endash; 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
• consignment

I visited with owner Edie Brown who told me that the store carries something for everyone: men's, women's, and children's clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, housewares, small aplliances, lamps, books, linens and knick-knacks. The shop is large and well-stocked with items that are reasonably priced. There was a large selection of shoes, purses and cosmetics.

Riverside Furnishings
South Airport Road
Logan's Landing Complex
Traverse City, MI 49684
941-4599

• the business has been in existence for five years; the current owners have owned it for one year; closed Sunday;
• consignment; pick up and delivery available; all kinds of furniture, used in good condition, as well as new.

When I visited, owners Jeff and Steph Stolowski were not available but I caught up with Jeff by phone a few days later. He said that he carries mostly used furniture on consignment, although occasoinally he has new items for sale. He stressed the fact that the turn-over of merchandise is quite rapid, so buyers should come back often if they don't find what they want the first time. While in the store, I looked over the merchandise, finding a large selection of couches, chairs, lamps, tables, dressers, and beds. The items looked to be in excellent condition, most of them looking new or slightly used.

Children's Orchard
South Airport Rd.
Logan's Landing Complex
Traverse City, MI 49684
929-1700

• in business for seven years
• Mon. &endash; Fri. 10:00 am &endash; 6:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am &endash; 5:00 pm;
• new and used clothing newborn to size eight, baby equipment and furniture, toys; franchise store, 90 stores nationwide.

I spoke with owners Kenneth and Rose Mead, who emphasized that they pay cash outright for items brought in, rather than the usual consignment arrangement. Because of this appointments are necessary ahead of time for bringing in items for sale to the store. There was a good selection, and I was impressed with the quality of the items.

Act II
1603 Barlow St.
Traverse City, MI 49686
946-4409

• Mon. &endash; Fri. 10:00 am &endash; 6:00 pm
• in business for seven years
• consignment shop with no appointment necessary for bringing in items.

As I entered the store I was impressed by the fresh and clean smelling air. I spoke with owner Arlene Wiles, who told me that they have lots of clothes for working women. I also saw a good selection of sweaters, jeans, coats, jewelry, formal and wedding dresses, some men's clothing and a small selection of small kitchen appliances. I couldn't resist buying a small juicer which looked brand new. The store is not huge, but the merchandize is well displayed and the prices were good.

Peddler's Corner
119 S. Union St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
947-1198

• Mon. &endash; Thurs. 10:00 am &endash; 6:00 pm, Fri. 10:00 am &endash; 8:00 pm; Sat. 10:00 am &endash; 5:30 pm; Sundays &endash; seasonal
• in business for 16 years, current location for 2 1/2 years;
• consignment is accepted Monday through Friday, except for the last 10 days of each month.

The owner is Sandi Lindstrom, who wasn't available when I stopped by. I spoke with one of the employees who said that they don't have a specialty, but cater to everyone. The store, though not large, felt very roomy, and the clothes were nicely displayed and easy to look through. There were some items down in the basement, which was not barrier-free. In addition to consignment clothes from individuals, they accept clothing from seasonal boutiques at the end of their season, so some of the clothes are new. There was a nice selection of women's and men's clothing, and a small, but nice selection of kids clothes, including a little play area where kids could entertain themselves while Mom or Dad shop. In addition to the reasonable prices, they also have a bargain room which contains half-off items. A very nice store!

Bookie Joint
120 S. Union St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
946-8862

• Mon. &endash; Fri. 10:00 am &endash; 6:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am &endash;5:30 pm, Sun. &endash; 1:00 &endash; 4:00 pm (summer &endash; through Oct.);
• in business for 15 years, at their current location for 11 years.

I had a nice chat with owner, Shelley Burnes, who obviously cares deeply about books. She and her husband, Bob Hicks, strive never to through a book away. They donate the books that don't sell in their store to one of the other resale shops. All types of paperback books are accepted; they do not accept textbooks. People who bring in used paperbacks receive store credit for their own purchases. They have recently started a section of collectible hardbound books and are using the Internet as a way of reaching collectors who are looking for a specific book. Shelley showed me a fascinating set of books from the 1700's. They also carry a nice selection of cards, as well as political buttons. Shelley and Bob's ecological philosophy even extends to the bags they use for purchases &emdash;reused plastic and paper bags donated by customers. This is a great store for browsing the shelves. You're guaranteed to find something of interest to read!

First Congregational Thrift Shop
207 E. Eighth St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
(next to Thirlby Auto Parts, parking in the rear off Lake Ave.)
946-6620

• Tues. -- Sat. 10:00 am -- 4:00 pm;
• consignment (no appointment necessary) or as a donation to the First Congregational Church; staffed by all volunteers who are church members. This is a small store, located in an old house. It has a wheelchair ramp in the back and is barrier-free on the first floor. Lots of women's dresses, suits, belts, jewelry, some knick knacks, and men's clothing. They do not carry children's clothing. Everything was very reasonably priced, with a $1.00 sale room. The proceeds are administered by the Women's Fellowship of the church, and are given to local causes, such as scholarships and special needs of families as after a fire, or other misfortune.

Resale 2 You
1021 E. Eighth St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
(behind Blue Photo)
947-1332

• hours: consignment (12:00 -- 2:00 pm preferred for bringing items in, but can be flexible)
• in business for 4 1/2 years
• specializing in children's toys, games, household items and books

This is a small store filled with interesting things. I enjoyed talking with owner Jan Jackson, who is very friendly and enthusiastic about her business. Jan has high standards for what she accepts in the store, so all items are in good condition, most of them like new. There's a good selection of toys for young children, and unusual items, such as bundles of old Highlights magazines in good condition and handmade jewelry. I picked up several books and a game for my grandson, and a classic 1985 vegetarian cookbook for my daughter. A great place to do some Christmas shopping.

Women's Resource Center Thrift Shoppe
1723 S. Garfield
Traverse City, MI 49684
946-4180

• Mon. -- Sat. 10:00 am -- 6:00 pm, Sun. 11:00 am -- 5:00 pm
• donations accepted Mon. -- Sat., 10:00 am -- 4:00 pm
• in business for about 20 years.

I spoke with manager, Carol Rose, who told me that all proceeds are used to support, Helen's House, the shelter for women and children who have left abusive relationships. All donations are tax deductible. The store is large, with an extensive selection of all types of clothing, as well as housewares and some furniture and small appliances. Carol also explained that people, especially former residents of the shelter who are trying to get a fresh start, can come to the thrift shoppe and receive items for free. A voucher system is used to keep track of these donations, which average between $5,000 and $6,000 per month in merchandise. No one is turned away who is truly in need of help. The thrift shoppe is operated with a combination of paid staff and volunteers. Prices are very reasonable, and the shoppe was quite busy while I was there. I donated two bags of clothes to the cause&emdash;one from my closet and one from my Mom's.

Kid's Carousel
Cherryland Mall
Traverse City, MI 49684
922-7790

• Mon. -- Sat. 10:00 am -- 9:00 pm , Sun. 10:00 am -- 6:00 pm
• consignment
• in business for six years.

Jan Langusch told me that the resale business runs in her family, with mom the owner of Act II, her brother the owner of Riverside Furnishings and her sister running Act II in Gaylord! Jan explained that due to the changes planned for the Cherryland Mall, she will be relocating the store after January 1st. Right now, the store is the largest children's resale shop in Michigan, carrying kid's clothes, maternity, furniture, equipment, books and educational materials. There's a nice area for children to play while their parents shop. I was very impressed with the good selection and quality of clothes. Of course I had to spend a few dollars here, getting a few items for my grandson.

Play It Again Sports
42nd Street Plaza (off Airport Rd)
Traverse City, MI 49684
929-1870

• Mon. -- Fri. 10:30 am -- 6:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am -- 5:00 pm, Sun. noon -- 5:00 pm
• consignment and new

I spoke with co-owner Ellen Cerutti who explained that this is a franchise store, which means it is one of a group of stores with the same name in various locations, but it is locally owned. They use a combination of consignment, outright buying and also carry new items. The store was well stocked with sports equipment. Ellen said that their most popular sporting equipment is hockey, golf and skiing. They also carry used exercise equipment.

This list is not comprehensive, so check the Yellow Pages for more resale shops (I had to wrap it up as this article was becoming too long!). I encourage those readers who are not in the Traverse City area to discover the resale shops in your area. I'm sure you'll find good bargains, and a few interesting items that you didn't even know you needed!

Return to the Index of Synapse 45, Fall 1998