At Albany and Avers, one of the most common questions we receive is whether we buy or consign vintage and preloved items from our customers. It's a question that speaks to the passion people have for secondhand fashion, and while we genuinely appreciate the enthusiasm, we want to clarify that this isn’t part of our business model. Instead, we prefer to curate our collection independently, ensuring we keep up with current trends, our customers’ desires, and upcoming events.
Our approach allows us to have complete control over the quality and uniqueness of the items we offer in our store. Unlike buy, sell, and trade establishments, where the selection can fluctuate based on what customers bring in, we make strategic purchasing decisions. This ensures that our inventory reflects not only popular trends but also the high standards we set for our offerings. When customers walk into Albany and Avers, we want them to know they’re encountering a carefully curated selection, one that aligns with their tastes and our vision.
We fully understand that visiting a buy, sell, trade store can often leave individuals feeling disappointed or undervalued, especially after investing time and effort to bring in their preloved items. It’s not uncommon for people to leave frustrated over what was or wasn’t accepted or what was financially offered for their pieces. We never want anyone to walk away feeling unappreciated or unhappy with their experience. By keeping our buying practices separate from customer consignments, we can assure everyone that we are focusing solely on enhancing the shopping experience, without the potential discomfort of negotiating or declining items brought into the store.
We genuinely enjoy the logistics involved in researching and sourcing our pieces, ensuring we bring in garments and accessories that resonate with our customers. This part of the job is not only satisfying but also essential in fostering a unique shopping atmosphere filled with quality items.
While we wholeheartedly encourage the spirit of recycling and reusing within the fashion community, there are many other opportunities in our community where you can swap, donate, upcycle, or consign your amazing pieces. We encourage you to check out Swap Omaha’s monthly swaps around the city, Esther’s for consigning, or hosting your own clothing swap with your family and friends. Don’t forget, mending, tailoring, or upcycling your own pieces are a great way to give your old pieces a new life.