Home décor worthy of a repeat performance -- that’s how Maureen Strobeck describes the inventory at Encore Consignment Gallery, the two-store company she operates with her cousin and business partner, Barb Lampe.
She says at a time when shopping resale home furnishings is considered just as much of an option as shopping on-line, Encore prides itself as being a one-stop-shop for smart shoppers looking to change things up. The selection of gently used upscale home décor consists of a broad variety of styles for every room of the home, and only the finest gently used items are selected. The truly savvy shopper visits often, knowing that the inventory changes daily. she adds.
Maureen and Barb opened their first 10,000-square-foot location in 2013 in Town and Country at the Lamp and Lantern Shopping Center on Clayton Road and 141. The need for more space to showcase the flow of incoming items from St. Louis area homes encouraged them to open a second 8,000 square-foot store in Kirkwood at 10821 Manchester Road and Lindbergh. That was 2018 and the demand for quality gently used furniture and home accessories has continued to grow.
“We have seen many changes in the industry since we opened, both in how the customer shops and how their tastes have changed,” Barb explains. “Desire for a more casual home and less ‘stuff’ is driving industry trends.”
The "new normal" created by the COVID-19 outbreak has had an immediate impact in many ways. “Sheltering-in-place gave us all a chance to take stock of what is important and what just does not matter anymore,” says Maureen.
“We have benefited from all of the spring cleaning that took place during quarantine, first with wonderful items being offered for consignment at both stores; and secondly, the pent-up demand that has driven shoppers to carefully navigate ways to update their homes," she adds.
Customers follow Encore through Facebook to keep up with what is new, but there is a notable difference now, says Barb. “We have so many more on-line requests for measurements and prices, and over-the-phone questions and purchases. We love the interaction.”
Encore’s lifeblood is their consignors, defined as the homeowners who are moving, redecorating or downsizing, and have home décor that they would like to sell through Encore. Requests to consign items may be sent to photos@encorestl.net. Photographs, general details and approximate timing of the consignment should be included.
“Holiday is fast approaching, and shoppers will turn their attention to preparing for more home celebrations than usual. We will be looking for items to make their homes shine,” says Barb.
Town and Country Encore store: 287 Lamp and Lantern Village
Kirkwood Encore store: 10821 Manchester Road
636.220.9092