The Case for Consignment
Why I keep coming back—and why Encore’s arrival in the Metro East matters
As a realtor—and someone who genuinely loves interior design—consignment stores have always held a special place in my heart.
They’re a treasure trove of constantly changing pieces. Every visit feels a little different. You walk in not knowing what you’ll find—and that’s exactly the point.
Some of my favorite furnishings and art in my own home came from consignment shops. And as someone who appreciates a great deal, it’s hard to ignore the value. You’re often buying pieces that were once thousands of dollars… for a fraction of the price.
But for me, it’s not just about the deal.
It’s about the hunt.
Why Consignment Just Works
There’s something about consignment that traditional retail can’t replicate.
It’s not rows of identical furniture. It’s not “pick a fabric, wait 16 weeks.” It’s a collection of interesting things—pieces with history, character, and often better construction than what you’ll find new today.
And the best stores don’t just stack items—they curate them.
They create little moments. Vignettes. Spaces where you can actually see how a chair, a lamp, a mirror, and a piece of art might all come together.
That’s when it clicks.
That’s when you stop thinking, “That’s a nice chair,” and start thinking, “I need that in my house.”
Enter Ronnie Dale Vinton
That’s what makes someone like Ronnie Dale Vinton so interesting.
If you’ve ever been to Cool Stuff, Green Goose, or now Encore Consignment Gallery, you know exactly what I mean.
Ronnie has built something that goes beyond resale. His stores feel intentional. Designed. Layered.
And that doesn’t happen by accident.
“Every day is like Christmas—you never know what incredible piece is going to walk through the door.”
— Ronnie Dale Vinton
Ronnie grew up in Granite City, and bringing Encore to the Metro East feels like a full-circle moment. His newest location in Fairview Heights isn’t just another store—it’s filling a gap that’s existed on this side of the river for a long time.
There just hasn’t been much that compares at this level.
The Value Is Real (and Underrated)
One thing I don’t think people fully appreciate until they experience it firsthand is just how much value exists in consignment.
You can furnish an entire home—well—for what one or two rooms might cost buying new.
And we’re not talking about sacrificing quality.
We’re talking about Restoration Hardware. Crate & Barrel. Solid, well-built furniture that someone else already paid top dollar for.
That matters—especially right now.
It’s Not Just for Shoppers
What’s interesting is I’ve come to appreciate consignment from both sides.
Yes, I shop it. A lot.
But I’ve also used it as a resource.
As a homeowner, there are always moments where something no longer fits—a style shift, a remodel, a new direction. And while Facebook Marketplace works, it comes with its own set of challenges: coordinating meetups, negotiating, dealing with no-shows.
Consignment removes all of that.
You drop it off (or send photos), and someone else handles the process—while often getting you a better outcome.
A Secret Weapon for Real Estate
This is where I think consignment is still massively underutilized.
As a realtor—and especially with short-term or mid-term rentals—consignment is one of the best tools out there.
If you’re furnishing:
a rental
a furnished apartment
a space for travel nurses or corporate stays
…it’s one of the smartest ways to create a high-end feel without high-end cost.
You can layer in character, mix styles, and avoid that “everything came from the same catalog” look.
And for staging or prepping a home for sale? Same idea.
Why Encore Matters in the Metro East
That’s why I was genuinely excited to see Encore open at:
10845 Lincoln Trail
Fairview Heights, IL
For Metro East residents, this isn’t just another store—it’s access to a level of consignment that previously required a trip across the river.
And based on the traffic they’re already seeing, it’s clear people were ready for it.
If you’re considering consigning, you can even text photos directly to:
314-504-8030
Final Thought
If you’ve never really explored consignment, I’d encourage you to give it a shot.
Go in with no agenda.
Walk around.
Let something surprise you.
Because that’s really what it’s about.
And for those of us who love great design—and a great deal—that treasure hunt now has a home right here in Fairview Heights.
This piece was originally written for O’Fallon Area Living magazine.