Cozy Corner consignment shop business is booming

13 years ago

BU-CLR-cozycorner-dc2-pt-47JUST A FEW —  Patty Schools, owner of the Cozy Corner, displays two of the evening gowns located in her shop.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer

    It’s a “Cozy Corner” at Main and Broadway streets in Houlton.
    Patty Schools has operated the business — formerly known as Raspberry Beret and Mother Hubbard’s —  since April 1, 2009.
    Schools took over the operation for three primary reasons.
    “I wanted a challenge and I love to meet people,” she said. “And, I love used clothing because you can get such a bargain.”
    The Cozy Corner is a consignment store for boys and girls clothing, as well as adults, along with a gift shop.
    As far as clothing, with owner approval, people can bring in clothing they are not using, placing them on consignment for three months or some just donate. When sold, the owner gets 50 percent of the retail price. After three months if the clothes are still at the store, the owner can return and pick them up or they become store property.
    “There are a lot of people who do this,” Schools said. “It’s like having a yard sale, but you don’t have to do the work.”
    The Cozy Corner will participate in Black Friday, Nov. 25, with 10 percent off storewide.
    “It’s a great place to buy name brand clothing that is used very little and is inexpensive,” said Schools. “I have found in the last couple of months that a lot of clothes have been going out and coming in.”
    But, the Cozy Corner is more than just clothing. The shop also stocks primitive gifts, as well as cards, jewelry and other items. Schools’ product lines include Park for curtains, placemats and glassware, along with Carson for primitive styles and Crossroads.
    Schools said it is hard to pinpoint one item that stands out among them all.
    “People are big into signs with sayings or dishtowels with sayings,” she said. “People are looking for meaningful gifts to give to others. Because most every place sells candles, I don’t keep a lot of variety. But, people are coming back and wanting the maple syrup candle.”
BU-CLR-cozycorner-dc3-pt-47LOTS OF GIFTS — The Cozy Corner doesn’t just offer clothing, but a variety of gift ideas, as well.
    Other specialties in the shop are evening gowns and jewelry.
    “We have a room of gowns and some are brand new,” Schools said. “I also have the lady from Fort Kent who designs her own jewelry out of glass, along with glassware.  It is really quite unique. I also have Rada cutlery, which is a quality brand.”
    Another hit among customers is the Legacy line of birthday wishes, thank you and encouragement cards.
    “I have a little bit of everything,” Schools said with a smile, as she points to homemade double knit mittens and socks that benefit  the Greater Houlton Christian Academy.
    With all that she provides, Schools is also offering a new selection of wallpaper border and hopes to stock order books for wallpaper at the start of the new year, too.
    “I have even thought of having a bargain room,” she said laughing. “The prices would be even lower than now.”
    Though the consignment may not sit well with some for many it is the right fit.
    “You are getting an LL Bean or brand name for $6 versus $50,” said Schools. “I have people who bring in clothes from Bean, Aeropostale and Abercrombie. These people can afford these items and then switch them the next season. So, someone else gets blessed by coming and using what they didn’t need.”
    Consignment and thrift stores are becoming more popular with increased economic stress.
    “It’s almost like with some people it is just catching on,” said Schools. “This is a way people can do in-store credit or make some money.”
BU-CLR-cozycorner-dc1-pt-47TAKE A LOOK — Take time to check out the Cozy Corner where you can get dishcloths and other gift items, along with used clothing.
    Including herself, Schools employs two more employees. The Cozy Corner is open each Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 pm. and closed on Sunday.
    “We have regulars who come here,” she said. “I want customers to feel that the shop is organized, the clothes are in good shape and are priced reasonably.”
    In a small town, Schools has been surprised that items aren’t duplicated.
    “Very seldom have two things alike come through that door,” she said. “Once in a great while, maybe two or three times a year, you will see two of the same things. I am amazed at that. “
    Looking for bargains on clothing or gifts, stop by the Cozy Corner.
    “You never know what you are going to find until you stop in and look around,” Schools said. “You wont’ be disappointed.”