Palm Beach consignment shops see influx of goods as rich tighten belts

[Liberal_in_LA]

Palm Beach consignment shops see influx of goods as rich tighten belts

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/content/local_news/epaper/2008/12/23/a1a_consignment_1224.html

By JOSE LAMBIET

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

At least the Bernard Madoff scandal in Palm Beach has been good for some store owners.

And for shoppers whose tastes for Chanel and Armani don't match their paychecks.

Consignment stores on both sides of the Intracoastal have seen a surge in business of late.

Some attribute it to the economic downturn. Others say the many Palm Beachers ruined by accused Ponzi schemer Madoff, possibly more than 100 families, are selling clothes and furniture and art in hopes of making a quick buck — even if a consignment sale traditionally nets the seller a fraction of the item's purchase price.

"My business doubled compared to last Christmas, and all within the last two weeks," said Sally Kimball, owner of Classic Collections on North County Road in Palm Beach.

"I've received at least 100 new items over the past two weeks, and it's all real good stuff like Hermes, Bill Blass and Chanel," Kimball said. "Some have their tags still on them. I can't give names, but I know those sellers are trying to straighten out their finances after losing money in the Madoff thing."

[babylonsister]

1. A consignment shop? Why is my empathy in a lull? nt

[stillcool]

2. I'm sure I still couldn't afford them..

thrift store maybe, consignment in Palm Beach..no way.