Consignment shop Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kənˈsaɪnmənt ʃɒp/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A retail business that sells gently used or second-hand items on behalf of their original owners, typically taking a commission on the sale price.

Examples

• The consignment shop on Main Street sells vintage clothing.
• She took her old designer handbags to the consignment shop to sell.

Synonyms

• Second-hand store
• Vintage shop

Antonyms

• New goods store
• Department store

Additional Information

Consignment shops often specialize in specific types of items, such as clothing, furniture, or antiques. They provide an opportunity for people to declutter their homes and make some extra money, while also offering customers a unique shopping experience.

Some consignment shops may also offer services like appraisal, restoration, or cleaning of the items before selling them. The commission rates vary depending on the shop and the type of item being sold.

Consignment shops can be found in many cities and towns, and are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to consumerism.

Etimology

The term “consignment” comes from the Latin words “consignare,” meaning “to send together,” and “mentem,” meaning “mind” or “intention.” It refers to the act of entrusting goods to another person or business for sale.

Usage Notes

When using the term “consignment shop,” it’s essential to distinguish it from thrift stores or charity shops, which typically sell donated items rather than consigned ones.

Cultural References

Consignment shops have been featured in various TV shows and movies, such as “Sex and the City” and “The Goldbergs,” often depicting them as trendy and fashionable destinations.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

• Resale shop
• Vintage boutique

Collocations

• consignment shop owner
• consignment shop inventory

Frequency of Use

The term “consignment shop” is moderately common in everyday language, particularly in the context of fashion and sustainability.

Common Misspellings

• Consignement shop
• Consigment shop