Mary McKissack is a wife, a mother of four, and the owner of “Mad Stylz”, a consignment shop in Elon, N.C. The store buys and sells used clothing for men and women at lower prices.
Mad Stylz was established after the McKissack family began to experience financial problems. Since then, the store has become a family-owned store. The name, “Mad Stylz” originated from the McKissack family throwing around ideas together, their youngest daughter’s name for the store was chosen. Mad Stylz opened in 2009 after McKissack realized that she couldn’t find a prom dress that was decently priced for one of her three teenage daughters. “You have your consignment stores for little kids, and then it skips over to the grandma section.” McKissack explained, “If you do find something it’s usually outdated.”
With clothing placed on hangers and color coordinated, Mad Stylz is a fun and easy shopping experience. Instead of paying $35 for an American Eagle sweater, a customer can find the same sweater for as low as $10.
For college students with college spending habits, “It puts money in their pockets, a lot of college students come in here close to the weekend looking to sell something so they have some money for the weekend.” Said McKissack.
Buying used clothing can be compared to buying a used car. When buying a new car, as soon as the car is taken off the lot, it automatically loses value. However when you buy a used car, the price is discounted and it only loses value according to the mileage.
Worried about odors or rips/tears? Don’t – Mad Stylz’s Facebook page explains the guidelines to selling clothes back to the store. These guidelines include:
1.) No children’s clothing or older adult styles.
2.) There is a minimum of 15 items and a maximum of 2 containers
3.) Check in all clothing and allow 30 minutes for inspection.
4.) There is no price negotiating.
5.) Clothing can be folded neatly and in a container or bag with handles.
6.) No clothing over 2 years old – no wrinkles, stains, or odors.
7.) No clothing that is missing buttons, zippers, rips, or tears.
8.) Clothing left over night must be picked up within 5 days or they are considered donated.
After following these eight guidelines, you are only one step away from getting cash for your clothes! Or if preferred, an exchange can be arranged.
A survey featuring 32 students between the ages of 19 and 24 shows how males and females feel about used clothing.
Most of the students:
- Had been to a consignment shop.
- Would buy clothes from a consignment shop.
- Know people who have bought used clothing.
The results of the survey display a variety of opinions. Those who buy and wear clothes that have been previously used received either approval or disapproval from those surveyed. One anonymous responder answered, “Some of them are really nicely organized and set up, but there’s definitely a stigma attached to wearing previously owned clothes.”
Mad Stylz, is working on getting the word out about the store and the great deals that they provide for customers. Daily sales and promotions can be found on Mad Stylz’s Facebook page, which is updated frequently. Mad Stylz also does a “layaway” service, which allows a customer to pick out clothes and other items throughout the store. If the customer does not have enough money to pay for all of the items at that time, they can ask the store to hold the clothes until they can pay. Mad Stylz allows customers to put clothes on layaway for up to 30 days. McKissack said, “We’re trying to make a way for other people to be able to afford it because the economy is bad, everyone is hurting.”
The purpose of a consignment shop is to provide fashionable clothing and accessories at affordable prices. With the prices and quality of Mad Stylz, used clothing could become the next big trend.
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