Penny Reece opened Affordable Consignments because she needed a hobby. But in doing so, she also found a way to do something for the community of Edgefield.

“With the economy the way it is, I thought it would be great to open a shop where people did not have to pay anything up front and could consign items that were still in great condition but that they no longer needed or wanted,” she said.

She pointed to a rack of gently-used accessories in her store at 304A Buncombe Street in the Piazza, following its grand opening on Saturday, July 31.

“By doing this, they can help other people in the community by keeping prices down and supplying items that other people might want or need at a price they can afford,” she said. “Meanwhile the consigner makes a little bit of money and gets rid of unwanted items, and everybody profits.”

Reece has a considerable amount of background in sales, having operated consignment shops in Columbia and managed stores as a military wife in the Army with her husband, Lt. Col. Allen Reece.

“We take all items such as dishes, clothes, jewelry, antiques, DVDs, games, toys, books, furniture, dolls, collectibles, household items,” she said. “All we ask is that the items be priced low enough to help out others and that they are in good condition—new, nearly new or antique.”

The fee for consigning is 30 percent of sales, much lower than most consignment shops and low enough so consigners can keep prices low, said Reece. Consigners only have to pay if the item sells or is reclaimed. A person can consign up to 20 items daily.

All items that are consigned and not reclaimed will be sold the Saturday after the expiration date at very low prices and these proceeds will be given to a charity in Edgefield.

I hope everyone will consider consigning at Affordable Consignments,” said Reece. “Edgefield is a very supportive and giving community and I am proud to live here.”

Days of operation are Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and consignments will be taken on Mondays by appointment unless other prior arrangements are made. Phone (803) 237-4391 for appointments.