Distinctly Montana Magazine

Elements When in 2008, Jennifer, like others, found she needed a job, she launched her business in a tucked-away ware- house. She got furniture from friends and the business developed a following. In her opinion people like con- signment stores because they can find quality vintage pieces there. People may resonate with the 1950s or ‘60s and like to decorate in that mode. She says people are looking for “the unique and interesting.” She gives her consignors 50% of sales. Of all the owners interviewed, Jennifer excels in using social media for marketing. Find her on Facebook; read her blog. Echo Echo 2935 Stockroad Rd. K-3 Missoula www.echoechomt.com (406) 542-1202 HELENA ELEMENTS CONSIGN & DESIGN Owner: Paula Bonar Paula, who’s been in business 15 years, had her eyes opened at Chicago’s huge Furniture Mart. Experienced in retail, she offers consignors a 50-50 deal, for 90 days. She selects high-end items and is picky, she says. For custom- ers she offers pickup and delivery service. She enjoys having a variety of decades represented in her store. She finds customers want to change their rooms around every year. Her most frequent comment is “We love this store.” She provides home staging. Currently she is remodeling a building and plans to offer salvaged materials obtained from contractors. They should be popular. Elements Consign & Design 1107 Helena Ave. Helena (406) 443-0019 CRAZY MOUNTAIN CONSIGMENT Owner: Holly Melton 2530 N. Montana Ave. Helena (406) 443-4321 www.crazymountainconsignment.com KALISPELL SOUTHSIDE CONSIGNMENT Owner: Donna Kourns Donna, who’s been in business 20 years, got started when her husband and a friend got the idea for a build- ing they owned. They held a huge garage sale and learned what items were popular. Over the years, they re-defined their focus, became eco-friendly, and offered booths to consignors. Now she runs the business herself and enjoys it. During the recession she found people looked for accessories more than big pieces. None of her furniture is fiberboard, only solid wood. She loves designing and says, “The fashion now is lodge-style, country, and retro. People like to touch, feel, and see.” Southside Consignment 2699 US Hwy 93 S Kalispell 406.756.8526 RED NECK CONSIGNMENT Owner: Tina Terry 3167 US Hwy 93 S. Kalispell www.redneckchicmontana.com (406) 755-5920 www.distinctlymontana.com 65 The increasing popularity of recycling and reusing makes resale shopping the trend of the decade.

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