It was always Jacquelynn Josey Lewis’ dream to own a consignment shop.

“I was selling clothes and other things on E-Bay and doing yard sales,” she said. “I’ve been trying to do it at home for 10 years. I decided it was time. My husband and kids told me to go for it.”

Josey-Lewis, who lives in North Augusta and works at the Trenton Correctional Institution with youthful offenders, will retire from her regular job in seven years.

“I’ve always said I’d like to have a business up and running before I retire,” she said.
That dream became a reality the first week in June when Josey-Lewis opened Closetnews Consignment Resale at 206 Buncombe Street in Edgefield (formerly occupied by Glass Images).

“I shop for new items and clearance items all over the place,” she said. “I mostly go out of town and bring clothes in. About 90 percent of the merchandise is store-bought right now. But I also take consignments.”

Josey-Lewis said she does not consign jewelry but buys all her jewelry new.

The shop is family-oriented, with sizes from newborn to men and women’s.

“I also carry plus sizes,” she said. “I’m looking for more.”

Two part-time helpers keep the shop running mornings and afternoons until she gets off work and she takes over evenings and weekends.

Josey-Lewis said she takes mostly name-brand clothing for consignment and that she would prefer brands like Liz Claiborne and Ann Taylor, but she would consider others.

“I try to stay away from Wal-Mart and Target brands,” she said. “If you have something to put on consignment, bring it in and let me look at it. It needs to be in style and seasonal.”

She is currently accepting back-to-school and fall items.

Josey-Lewis said she gets excited when customers bring things in.

“I grew up in a family of five children with four girls,” she said. “So, we wore each others’ clothing. I like to go through boxes and bags. I never know what I’ll find.”

The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

A clearance section is available at all times, as well as a storewide sale. New merchandise is on the floor daily and a dressing room is available for trying on clothes.