New 2 U consignment opens in Island Falls

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
NEW BUSINESS — Gerda Goodwin arranges merchandise inside the children’s room of her new business, New 2 U Consignment Shoppe, in Island Falls. Goodwin opened the business in November and has seen the number of her consigners grow steadily.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    ISLAND FALLS — If you are looking to sell some unwanted articles of clothing or are in search of a good deal on used garments in pristine condition, the New 2 U Consignment Shoppe in Island Falls is the place to be.
    Owned and operated by Gerda Goodwin, New 2 U Consignment Shoppe opened its doors on Nov. 6, 2010. Located on Main Street in downtown Island Falls, the business has caught on rather quickly with the local clientele.
    “I started out with two consigners and in just four months, I am up to 65,” Goodwin said. “It’s really grown quite quickly.
    Consignment shops provide opportunities for individuals to sell their articles of clothing and other house wares in a retail environment, as opposed to selling them with a yard, tag or garage sale.
    “I only accept things that are not stained or ripped,” Goodwin said. “I only take things that are in good condition that make for quality re-sale.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
CONVENIENT LOCATION — The New 2 U Consignment Shoppe is conveniently located on Main Street in Island Falls.
    Consigners may bring articles of clothing to Goodwin’s store for her to review. If she accepts the articles, a contract is drawn up between Goodwin and the consigner. Once an item sells, Goodwin gets 60 percent of the sale price, while the consigner receives 40 percent.
    If the clothing does not sell, the owner has the opportunity to take the items back. If they choose not to, the clothing is donated.
    “Right now, we are really trying to clear out the winter clothing and bring in stuff for spring and summer,” she said.
    To further promote the business, a fashion show was held in conjunction with the annual Island Falls Winterfest celebration.
    Goodwin has two individuals — Karla Bishop and Cheryl McNally — who help run the store.
    “The reason I opened this place was a friend and I were going to have a yard sale this past summer, and by the time we got ready, we had so much stuff that I started thinking it would be nice to have a re-sale store here in town,” Goodwin said. “The only way I would do this is if I could find a spot on Main Street.”
    She began looking for a suitable location to purchase on Main Street in Island Falls, but struggled to find just the right spot. In October, 2010, she found her spot and by November she had purchased the building. The purchase went through on Nov. 2 and she opened her doors for business four days later.
    Besides men’s and women’s clothing, New 2 U Consignment Shoppe also features a room of children’s clothing.
    “We have already outgrown this building,” she said. “It’s nice because in the winter there are no yard sales, and people really love going to them looking for clothes, especially for children. This business is an opportunity for some to make a little bit of money and for others to find really good deals on clothing.”
    Clothing stores are nothing new to Goodwin. Thirty years ago, she owned a children’s clothing store in Florida.
    “I really wanted to get back into the clothing business,” she said. “So far, the people have been really receptive to it.”
    Goodwin said if things go well, she would be able to pursue a second business in the area.
    “My dream is to have an antique mall here in Island Falls,” she said.
    New 2 U Consignment is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays from 1-5 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 1-6 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call Goodwin at 538-7739. Her business can also be found on Facebook.