Under One Roof on Royal Street: The Women Behind ConsignALX
As I walked down the yellow brick courtyard and up the steps into the new ConsignALX, I was surprised by the early morning bustle. It was Monday and there were a lot of bodies moving about – it had been a busy weekend. I quickly introduced myself to Megan and Katie, grabbed my laptop, and fired off questions while they multi-tasked. Because let’s be honest, this is what moms do, we multitask like no other. In between checking inventory, locating a bag, speaking to their landlord, answering the phone, logging me into their system (I brought a fall jacket never worn still with tags) and talking about our kids, things were getting done.
Katie Coslov and Megan Podolsky of ConsignALX
Mint Condition and 529 Kids Consign are now under the same roof: ConsignALX. Mint Condition is on the main floor and 529 is located upstairs on the second floor, and includes gently worn clothing for boys and girls and new items from toy lines they carry.
“I’ve owned 529 since my middle child was a baby, so it’s been 13 years,” Megan shared. “When Toni (Henderson) was looking to sell Mint Condition in 2019, she came to me and said, ‘Before I put it on the market, I think it will go well with what you’re already doing.’ Katie had been working at the Shoe Hive, and we were on our way down to Hilton Head for a family vacation, and there I was at the gas station making phone calls. I wanted this to happen.”
Katie was newly pregnant at the time, and Megan jokingly added, “I had to wait on her hand and foot for the first nine months of our new business! But of course, I did it with love, because she’s married to my brother.”
Mint Condition spent many years on St. Asaph Street and they’re happy to be back on Royal Street. Of their customers they say it ranges: “Teenagers, moms…older ladies. And many of the consignors include those who regularly shop at The Hive and Bishop Boutique.”
Among the many racks of clothing, I spotted designer jeans, sweaters, jackets, dresses, accessories – and the shoe wall.
Open seven days a week, there’s no excuse not to check it out and see what treasures you may find. What types of items are they looking for to consign right now? “Seasonal fall, winter and holiday–the better pieces. We want all the diamonds…the Veronica Beard,” said Megan.
Up the stairs are more hidden treasures for the young fashionistas in your family. With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s an opportune time to add a cardigan, dress or jacket to your child’s wardrobe.
For consignment, make an appointment online or try “Walk in Wednesday” where you can drop in with 10 items or less. The ShopMintConditionALX Instagram account is private and you’ll have to be approved to join “Mint Insiders.” But once you do it’s likely you’ll become addicted to their daily shares of new arrivals, and the FOMO you’ll feel will keep you checking your updates – constantly!
The Grand Re-Opening is on Thursday, November 9, from 5-8 p.m. and is open to the public. We hope to see you there!
