The North Andover Thrift Shop at 172 Sutton St. differs in two ways from the four consignment shops in town.  First it is non-profit, and second it does not take consignments.  "All clothes for sale are donated," explained store manager Cari Marchese. The thrift shop was started in 1955 as part of the North Parish church.  It became a non-profit organization in the 1980's and was located in the own town center until it burned down. In 2002, it moved to its current location, the former Scholfield Textile Mill building, built in 1802. Marchese, store manager since 1993,said the shop used to …

The store may be a little difficult to find, but once you do, the owners of Kids Karousel, a children's retail consignment store are certain it will be well worth the effort. The store owned by sisters Claire Parolisi and Sylvie Foulds has been located at 199 Pleasant Street, off route 125 across from Hafners for the past 16 years. It was on Water Street for two and half years until it outgrew that space. With 1800 square feet, Kids Karousel sells quality, new and used children's clothing, used teen clothing, toys, books, videos, strollers and furniture.  "People are surprised by the size of …

Google "vintage clothes," and Fabulous Findz Trading Company will pop up in your results. Fabulous Findz  Trading Company at 85 Main St. has a wide selection of vintage clothes from the 1940's to 1980's, but they also carry modern name brand clothing, accessories, art, jewelry, collectibles and furniture. Owners Judith Quarrington and Mindy Meyer had a lot in common when they met over a year ago.  They were both former teachers who bought clothes from consignment shops. The store originally opened at 142 Main Street in the Fall of 2008 by former owner April Michalski.  A few  months later, …

Jane on a Budget at 142 Main Street is an upscale consignment shop for woman and teens. Owner Jane Nabokin, North Reading explained why she opened her store, saying,  " I am a lover of high end clothing, and I wanted to make it available at a very discounted price." Nabokin, who holds an MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has owned the store for the past 15 months, along with her husband Bob Rossignol whom she describes as her advisor and silent partner. Jane on a Budget carries high end and designer women's shoes, clothing, handbags and jewelry with brand names such as Ann Taylor, …

Rose DeHart, who owns Second Hand Rose on Main, explained, "People just can't afford to buy all their clothes at the department stores." DeHart opened her shop at 141 Main St., on May 22 and hasn't looked back. An Industrial Designer at Schneider Electric, DeHart was laid off a year ago, after 29 years. "I couldn't afford to retire," she explained. But in opening her store she said, "I took a great leap of faith.   DeHart said she always enjoyed antiquing, and most of her clothes came from consignment shops. It was only natural that she went into this business. With three consignment shops on…