Now that we’re (slowly) climbing our way out of this recession, real estate markets are recovering and the need to buy or sell furniture has increased. But whether people are downsizing, upsizing, relocating, or redecorating, cost consciousness still prevails. Powell resident Michelle Renda decided to capitalize on the situation. She left her corporate job of 20 years, embraced her lifelong love of home décor, and opened furniture consignment shop Trading Places in late October.
“I want to give people the opportunity to redesign and reinvent their homes with high style and high savings,” Michelle said. She gets most of her merchandise from Powell, Dublin, and Delaware residents and carries everything from couches and dining room tables to framed pictures and decorative items. Her furniture ranges in price from $299 to $1,599 and many accent pieces cost around $30. “I really try to offer price points for everyone,” she said. Like other area resale stores, she offers 90-day consignment periods with progressive markdowns of 20% every 30 days and splits selling prices with consignors fifty-fifty.
Sales so far have exceeded Michelle’s expectations and she already feels like repeat customers have become friends. “Every piece in the store has its own story,” she said. “Even though our items have been in other people’s homes, they create a whole new life of their own for someone else to treasure.” This Friday Michelle will host a grand opening event from noon to 5:00 with home decorating demonstrations, gift certificate drawings, and home décor giveaways.
Trading Places located at 4018 Powell Road in The Market At Liberty Crossing. Visit tradingplacesoh.com for more information.
Alexandra Kelley is a featured writer for Columbus Underground and can be reached at alexandra477.com.
