Monday, July 22, 2013

Meet the Finders Keepers Management Team

Want to learn a little bit about the movers and shakers at Finders Keepers Consignment stores? Here's a list of our management team, the stores they oversee, and our fearless leader, Bonnie Kallenberg.

Finders Keepers Consignment Stores

Bonnie Kallenberg
Owner: Bonnie Kallenberg
An Atlanta native, Bonnie purchased Finders Keepers in 1990 as a single, small storefront. She has grown that little shop into one of the most recognized consignment names in Atlanta. She has been named Skirt's Entrepreneur of the Year and was elected President of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores in 2012. When she's not in one of her stores, she's lending her hand for several local non-profits, including Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta, or she's playing with her grand daughter, Marin. Email her directly: Bonnie.Kallenberg@fkconsign.com.




Finders Keepers Fashions - 404.296.0285

Jessica Ross
Manager: Jessica Ross
Jessica has been a member of the Finders Keepers team since 2000.  She thrives in the fast-paced environment of the Fashions store and loves the constant interaction with her customers.  She enjoys the simple things in life and spends most of her spare time playing with her son or watching sci-fi shows with her husband. Email her directly: Jessica.Ross@fkconsign.com


Cassandra Rayburn
Senior Assistant Manager:
Cassandra Rayburn
A lifelong Georgia native (and Georgia Bulldog fan) Cassandra joined the Finders Keepers family in 2010. Experienced in textiles and fashion, she never fails to have the answer to all of your fabric questions! There is a lot to see and do in the world, so Cassandra tries to fit in as many cultural experiences as she can in her spare time. Some of her favorite things include working and volunteering at music festivals, mid-century modern design aesthetics, and Zula, her lovable Chihuahua. .


Finders Keepers Furnishings - 404.377.1944




Manager: Betsy Johns
Betsy joined the Finders Keepers team in 1990. She's really (really) good at decorating and staging, and is even sought after by real estate professionals for her talent making a house more appealing for potential buyers. The other loves of her life: her fabulous grandchildren, Ayden and Violet, ruby slippers, and statement jewelry. Email her directly: Betsy.Johns@fkconsign.com.


Vickie Bracewell

Assistant Manager: Vickie Bracewell
 Long time Finders Keepers fan, Vickie Bracewell, joined the FK team in 2010.  When she is not hopping from the Furniture store to the Boutique, she sells real estate with the team of Marshall Berch and Associates.  Her background with staging homes makes her a natural fit with the furnishings team but you will also see her at her first love, the Boutique.  She dreams of the day she can manage Finders Keepers Beachside.



Finders Keepers Boutique and Menswear - 404.634.6995
 
Darla Svich

Manager: Darla Svich
Darla Svich has been a member of the Finders Keepers team since 2011. She moved to Decatur after completing her Masters degree in Management from UGA's Institute of Nonprofits. Fashion is one of her favorite forms of artistic expression, as well as cooking, yoga, and up-cycling. Come chat with Darla for honest style advice, organizational tips, and superior customer service. Email her directly: boutique.finderskeepers@gmail.com.






Saturday, July 20, 2013

Brands Guidelines for Finders Keepers Fashions


 

Want to know what brands we love to take at Finders Keepers Fashions? Here's a list of some of our favorites! We've also provided a second list below for brands we are not accepting at this time.

 
 

Aasics                                 Adidas                        Adriana Pappell                       Adrienne Vittadini

Aerosoles                          Aigner                         Alfani                                         Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Loft                Anne Klein                  Anthropologie Brands            Apostrophe

Apt. 9                                 Arcteryx                      Armani Exchange                    Ashley Stewart

ASOS                                  Athena                        Avenue                                      Banana Republic

Bass                                    BCBG                           Boden                                        Born

Brighton                            Brooks Brothers         Cabi                                           Cable & Gauge

Calvin Klein                       Carlos                           Chaps                                        Chico’s

Choices                              Clarks                           Club Monaco                          Club Room

Coach                                 Coldwater Creek        Cole Haan                                Columbia

Converse                            Croft & Barrow          Cynthia Rowley                      Cynthia Steffe

Dana Buckman                  Dansko                        Denim & Co.                            Diesel

DKNY                                   Dockers                       Dooney & Bourke                   Eddie Bauer

Eileen Fisher                      Elementz                     Ellen Tracy                               Etcetera

Express                                Flax                              Fossil                                        Free People

 French Connection          Gap                              Giani Bernini                           Gianni Bini

Guess                                  INC                               Izod                                           J. Crew

J. Peterman                       Jessica Howard          Jessica Simpson                       Johnston & Murphy

Jones                                  Jones New York         Jos. A. Bank                              Just Taylor…

Karen Kane                       Kasper                          Keen                                         Kenzie
 
L.L.Bean                             Lacoste                        Lane Bryant                             Lauren

Levi’s                                  Limited                        Lucky Brand                             Lululemon

Merrell                              Moda                           Mountain Hardware              New York & Company

Nike                                   Nine West                   North Face                               Oilily

Patagonia                         Polo                              Ralph Lauren                           Ruby Rd.

Sak                                     Simply Vera                Steve Madden                         Style&Co

Tahari                                Talbots                        Tommy Hilfiger                       Vera Bradley

White House/Black Market                                Willi Smith                                Worthington

XCVI                                  Yellow Box                   Zara
 
 
 

 

Here is a list of labels we are not interested in accepting for consignment at this time:

 

 

A Byer                              Abercrombie + Fitch                           Aeropostale
American Eagle               Basic                                                    Charlotte Russe
Claire’s                            Delia’s                                                  Dots
Eyeshadow                      Faded Glory                                         Hurley
My Michelle                    No Boundaries                                     OP
Payless Brands                Quiksilver                                             Rainbow Brands
Rampage                          Roxy                                                    Volcom
Wet Seal                          Xhileration                                           XOXO
Zani-Di



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions


How do I get paid for my sold items?
When we open an account for you, we create an electronic database just for you! As soon as one of your items is purchased, your account is automatically credited for your percentage of the sold item. That money is available to you as soon as the return-period for that item has passed (between 1 and 3 business days after purchase depending on the store.) You may come in to the store to pick up your available balance any time during normal business hours. We mail checks during the first week of every month to each consignor who has more than $40 in his/her account. We do charge a $1 mailing fee to mail checks to cover the cost of the process. You may pick up your balance in the store any time during regular business hours for free.
 
What sells well at Finders Keepers Fashions?
We accept men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. We do accept plus-sized clothing for women, and have enjoyed great success with our plus department. Items must be in excellent condition, clean, and current.  From professional attire to casual wear to your Sunday's best, our customer base shops for a wide range of fashion needs, and our customers are interested in today's trends and styles.  

What doesn’t sell well at Finders Keepers Fashions?
Look at your items--would you buy them again in the store today? That's a good initial test. Please check for holes, spots, pilling, stains, and wear. Items with any damage will not be considered for resale. Shoes with visible wear or that are narrower than a double-A or smaller than a size 6 are difficult to sell. Also, we do not store or sell the shoe boxes, so please leave those at home. Our current market has not created the demand for bridal or vintage merchandise. Specifically, the following kinds of items are not currently selling well in our store: formal wear, juniors, young men's clothing, and smaller handbags. Men's suits have proved difficult to sell, and are only accepted when the style is current and the condition is perfect. Please note: This location no longer accepts juniors clothing or accessories on consignment. We recommend Forever Young Consignment in Lilburn for these items. It's a fantastic store with a fun vibe. Learn more on their website: http://www.fyconsign.com/
 
What happens to merchandise that doesn’t sell at Finders Keepers Fashions?
All consigned items will be kept for 60 days and follow a seasonally standard markdown schedule. Unsold merchandise is subject to donation any time after 60 days. We donate to RRISA, Atlanta Step-Up Society, and Urban Street Ministries. Consignors can pick up any unsold merchandise during the consignment contract period.
 
What sells well at Finders Keepers Furnishings?
Newer pieces and mid-century pieces sell best for us. Best selling items come from Pottery Barn, Storehouse, Crate and Barrel, and Ethan Allen, just to name a few. Our customer really likes the newer import styles, neutral colors and clean lines. But our antique pieces sell well and add interesting elements to our store. Specifically, our best sellers are currently: twin beds, lamps, neutral sofas/sectionals, dressers, chest of drawers, vintage jewelry, great comforter sets, oriental rugs, benches, ottomans, bookcases, farm tables, parsons chairs, and anything decorative from Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Pier One, Ikea, Storehouse, and Mannerisms.
 
What doesn’t sell well at Finders Keepers Furnishings?
Specifically, the following kinds of items aren't currently selling well in our store: pastel florals, drapes, basic comforter sets, collectibles, statues, figurines, china, anything that is not microwave or dishwasher safe, resin pieces, blue and white porcelain pieces, antique rockers, baby furniture, appliances, and shiny brass.
 
Do you pick up furniture from my house or do I bring it to you?
We do not offer a pick-up service through our store, but we do have contact information for several dependable, affordable, reputable movers who we have worked with extensively. We also recommend that you email a picture of any larger pieces to our manager before bringing them in for evaluation. Here is contact information for two independent movers that we have extensive work history with:
        30 Movers (Shad Hasan) 404.953.3323
         Robert King: 770-480-6035 (cell) or 770-981-8240 (office)
These movers are available for independent, contract hire and do charge for their services.
 
What happens to merchandise that doesn't sell at Finders Keepers Furnishings?
Items in Finders Keepers Furnishings are subject to donation after 90 days in the store. Prices are subject to reduction and follow our standard markdown schedule: items remain at full price for the first 25 days and are reduced by 25% at 26 days. Further reduction is taken at 50 days. Consignors can pick up any unsold merchandise without penalty between the 26th and 90th day of the consignment contract period. We donate to RRISA, Atlanta Step-Up Society, and Urban Street Ministries.
 
What sells well at Finders Keepers Boutique? 
Labels like J Crew, Free People, Theory, and Ann Taylor do very well for our store. We also have customers that are very interested in high end designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. This store carries seasonal clothing sizes 0 - 14, XS - XL, and shoe sizes 6 and larger. Fun and funky separates, cardigans, trench coats, great dresses, couture fashion, boots, and handbags are in high demand with the current client base. 
 
What doesn't sell well at Finders Keepers Boutique?
Look at your items--would you buy them again in the store today? That's a good initial test. Please check for holes, spots, stains, pilling, and wear. Clothing larger than a size 14 is accepted at our Fashions location in Avondale Estates. Shoes with visible wear or that are narrower than a double-A are difficult to sell. Our current market has not created the demand for vintage or dated merchandise. We do not have a demand for suits, sets, or professional attire. Also, this store does not accept bridal.
 
What happens to merchandise that doesn’t sell at Finders Keepers Boutique?
All consigned items will be kept for 60 days and follow a seasonally standard markdown schedule. Unsold merchandise is subject to donation any time after 60 days. We donate to RRISA, Atlanta Step-Up Society, and Urban Street Ministries. Consignors can pick up any unsold merchandise without penalty between the 31 and 60 day of the consignment contract period. Click here to learn more about the charities we donate to.

What kind of merchandise are you looking for at your new Menswear store? We are looking for edgy essentials, sharp styles, and tailored looks for the modern man. Specifically, we are on the hunt for: premium denim (think True Religion, 7FAMK, etc.,) slim-fit blazers, modern-cut slacks, fitted designer tees, well-made brief cases and messenger bags, great footwear, and quality button-downs. This location is not interested in baggy-cut apparel or suits of any kind at this time. Potential consignments will be processed in our new Boutique location, which is next door to the menswear store.

About Us - The Story of Finders Keepers Consignment Stores

Owner Bonnie Kallenberg
Owned by Atlanta native Bonnie Kallenberg since 1990, Finders Keepers Consignment Stores look back fondly at a very humble beginning: a tiny, single store-front in Avondale Estates' Tudor Village that consigned clothing and accessories. Several years and multiple expansions later, the store relocated a block down North Avondale Road, and easily grew into the new +4000 square foot space, adding furniture and decor to the mix.

Supply and demand for consignment furniture grew at a fevered pace, and the new store, which sold clothing and furniture, was once again bursting at the seams. Bonnie converted an old repair garage half a mile down the street into Finders Keepers Furnishings, a true gem in the Atlanta consignment industry, and another +4000 square feet of Finders Keepers Consignment. The original store became Finders Keepers Fashions with a focus on great quality clothing and accessories for men and women. The side room, which had previously contained the furniture department, quickly filled with ladies shoes, handbags, scarves, and hats.
 
As word spread, the quality of the incoming apparel and accessories soared, bringing in labels such as Manolo Blahnik, Balenciaga, Chanel, Armani, St. John, Marc Jacobs, Prada, and more. In order to showcase the extraordinary merchandise, Finders Keepers opened its third location in October, 2007: Finders Keepers Boutique, which specializes in designer and fashion-forward clothing and accessories for women. Located in the heart of Decatur, the newest addition is a smaller sibling at 900 square feet, but has quickly earned a big reputation as a hot-spot for designer and high-end consignment finds. In fact, Boutique has already expanded into a brand new space! And what did we do with the old space? We added a store just for men, of course! Finders Keepers Menswear opened this September, and carries edgy essentials and modern apparel for men. This store is located in Boutique's original space at 2130 N. Decatur Road in Decatur.
 
Our stores have been featured on several local news channels and newspapers including the Atlanta Journal Constitution and The Dekalb Champion, as well as selected for CNN's "Small Business Success Stories." Finders Keepers Boutique was used as a set for TBS's "Movie and a Makeover." Bonnie Kallenberg was elected President of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores in 2012.

Brand Guidelines - Finders Keepers Boutique and Menswear (locations on North Decatur Road)



Labels we LOVE to carry:

Adrienne Vittadini    Alice + Olivia    Ann Taylor   Anne Klein    Anthropologie brands

Armani    B. Makowski    Banana Republic    BCBG    Ben Sherman     Betsey Johnson

Bloomingdale’s    Bottega Veneta   Bugatchi    Burberry   Bvlgari    Cabi    Cache   Canali

Chanel    Christian Louboutin    Citizens of Humanity   Coach    Cole Haan    Christian Dior

Custo     Cynthia Steffe     Diane Von Furstenburg     Dolce & Gabbana     Donald Pliner

Donna Karan   Dooney & Burke  Eileen Fisher   Eli Tahari    Faconnable    Fendi     Ferragamo

Free People   Frye  Gucci   Hermes   Hickey Freeman   Hugo Boss    Ike Behar   Isabella Fiore

J. Crew   Jimmy Choo    Joe's     John Varvatos    Johnny Was     Karen Millen     Kate Spade

Kenneth Cole     Kooba     Lafayette 148   Laundry    Lilly Pulitzer    Louis Vuitton    Lucky

Magaschoni     Marc Jacobs     MaxMara     Michael Kors     Missoni    Nanette Lepore 

Neiman Marcus     Nicole Miller    Nordstrom     Paige    Paul Smith   Penguin     Philosophy

Prada    Pucci     Rag + Bone   Ralph Lauren/Polo    Robert Graham    Saks   7 For all Mankind

St. John     Ted Baker     Theory    Tibi   Tod’s    To Boot    Tory Burch    Tracy Reese

True Religion    Ugg   Valentino   Versace   Vince Camuto   Yves Saint Laurent   Zegna

Labels we do NOT carry:

Abercrombie & Fitch   American Eagle    Byer    Candies    Chaps   Charlotte Russe   Champion

Dockers   Express   Forever 21   Gap   H&M   Hollister   Izod   Kohl’s brands   Lee   Liz Claiborne

The Limited   LOFT    My Michelle   Nautica   New York & Co.   Old Navy  Papaya

 Payless brands    Sag Harbor    Simply Vera   Sonoma   St. John's Bay   Target brands

Van Heusen   Wal-Mart brands     Willi Smith   Worthington    Wrangler    XOXO

Monday, July 15, 2013

It's Over! (Notes from Bonnie's Desk)

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Haverty’s sales are up this year, which is good news for many of us. The sale of new furniture is directly related to the housing market and simply put, when the housing market is good, furniture sales are good. When the housing market is bad, folks just aren’t buying new furniture. I saw that coming back in 2008 when Finders Keepers Furnishings began to slow down, in sales and in consignments. I knew something was amiss before “Great Recession” was a household phrase. When houses aren’t selling, home-owners aren’t sprucing up what they have nor are they purchasing home goods. As a resale shop, we weren’t devastated as some big furniture stores were. Many economized by sprucing up with gently used items.
 
The housing market is picking up and low and behold, Haverty’s Furniture Stores are seeing an increase in sales over last year. And so are we! Furniture is arriving by the truckload from those who have been waiting to sell or renovate and selling quickly to those who have moved or renovated and need/want something new. This trend is improving with each quarter as real estate finally picks up. Things are starting to ease up economically speaking and that means there will be more jobs on the horizon. So let’s all exhale and celebrate upcoming better days.
 
It’s official now….the Great Recession must be over!