Local consignment store owners say they are seeing an increase in people consigning clothing, furniture and accessories to help put a little extra money in their pockets.
A troubled economy is what consignment owners are attributing to people bringing items into their businesses to consign.
They also say shopping consignment stores allows people to get more for their money.
Melissa Ryan, who has owned Boutique Exchange Consignment Shop, Warsaw, since November 2004, said the business has seen a significant increase in people consigning items this year.
"With the way the economy is people are looking for extra cash and affordable clothing," Ryan said.
Ryan said she purchased the business four years ago because she saw a need for women to find quality name-brand clothing locally and at an affordable price.
Consignment sales have increased this year at the business by 73 percent over 2007, according to Ryan.
She said consignors who bring in items to consign has increased by 22 percent since the store opened in 1992.
Ryan said she thinks people are turning to consigning items and shopping consignment stores to have more money left over for gas, food and other essentials.
Lynn Kleeman, Leesburg, who has been a consignor at Boutique Exchange since 2001 shopped at the store recently and said consigning is a family tradition.
Her mother-in-law and sister-in law live in Florida and give her items to consign at Boutique Exchange when she visits them. Kleeman also consigns her mother's and her own items.
"Consigning is an easy way to make money and I can always find items that are unique and at a decent price," Kleeman said.
Consignors who bring in items to sell at Boutique Exchange receive 40 percent of each items selling price.
The store sells items for 60 days and if the items do not sell, they are donated to Beaman Home.
Tonya Enyeart, owner of Adele's Attic, Warsaw, said her business also has seen an increase in people consigning.
"I have a room with boxes of items that still have not been priced because we have seen a lot of consignors bringing in items to consign," Enyeart said.
A consignor at Adele's Attic receives 40 percent of the profits of items consigned and receives 50 percent for formal dresses.
Mary Anne Brumfield, owner of Home Sweet Home, Warsaw, said she is seeing a growing trend in people choosing to consign and her sales have increased by 65 percent compared to last year.
The business consigns used furniture and home decor. Consignors receive 60 percent of the selling price.
"People usually pay more for furniture than clothing, and when they find out they can consign they make money or can shop for less for a piece of furniture," Brumfield said.
Kimie McIlwain, owner of Consegna, North Webster, said she has seen an increase in sales at her consignment store that offers consignors 50 percent of each items selling price.
"I think it has to do with the weather and economy, when the economy is in bad shape like it has been, people are finding they can get brand name items at consignment stores," McIlwain said.
Kelly Wedehase, owner of The Revolving Closet, Syracuse, said consignors are turning into customers at her store where consignors receive 50 percent of the selling price.
"We have seen consignors who used to just consign, now look around and find items to purchase," Wedehase said.
She said she thinks the economy is playing a major factor in people choosing to consign.
Tonya Bowser, owner of The Old General Store, North Webster, said she thinks consignors are finding they can consign furniture and receive good deals.
Consignors receive 50 percent of the selling price at the business.
