Indies Only: Rekindle Bringing Trendy Consignment Fashions Downtown

offers a trendy name-brand wardrobe at bargain store prices. Apparel, jewelry and accessories are new or gently used and the merchandise is constantly changing.

Rekindle encourages customers to “Reduce spending. Reuse fashion. Rekindle your wardrobe and enjoy a unique shopping experience.”

“In these economic times, everyone loves to save money but people still want to look nice,” said owner Mary Ellen, who asked that her last name be withheld. The majority of Rekindle’s clothing was probably only worn once or twice, she said.

Mary Ellen describes Rekindle’s merchandise as “trendy” – with most items being less than three years old. Rekindle also offers many name-brand labels which Mary Ellen says hold their value and are more profitable for the consigners. She selects her merchandise from more than 500 consigners.

“Everyone has something hanging in their closet that they bought and never wore. Many items still have their original price tags," Mary Ellen said. “I try to keep my finger on the pulse and get in what people are looking for."

For example, Rekindle offers an assortment of feather hair clips, a popular accessory. Rekindle also records people’s wish lists and will contact a customer if their wish item is in stock.

Before Rekindle, Mary Ellen worked in education. She felt a higher end consignment store in downtown Oswego had “great potential to be successful” and “I wanted to try my hand at something new."

After opening in July 2010, Rekindle’s merchandise quickly expanded to include items from local vendors.

“I like helping to get other people’s names from the community out there,” Mary Ellen said.

Jacquie Rodas frequently shops in downtown Oswego because she prefers the friendly atmosphere offered by the small shops. She saw Rekindle and decided to check it out.

“I like the store. It is clean and well-organized. I really like the variety,” she said. “I stop in just to look – you never know what you’ll find because they receive new items daily. We needed something like this downtown. They cater to a different budget and have really good prices.”

Rekindle will host a “Ladies Night Out” from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. The evening includes a fashion show, hair designs by Julius Ishmael Salon, Premiere Designs Jewelry, Tastefully Simple Food, and wine. There will be great specials and door prizes, said Mary Ellen.

Mary Ellen is involved in the Optimist Club and is on the board of the Character Counts Coalition. She actively supports the community by donating clothing to schools and supporting the .

Rekindle, 58 Main St., is open Tue - Fri, 10am - 5pm; Sat, 10am - 4pm; Sun - Mon, closed. Be sure to rate this business at its directory listing .