The Bargain Trail: Fondren’s Consignment Retail

Rodale Hall is not afraid to say he wears second hand clothing. As a matter of fact, the Prentiss native and owner of Silly Billy’s was always named best dressed in his high school years, clothed in 25 cent khakis and 10 cent shirts. It’s that love of fashion — trendy and retro, no less — that makes Fondren the perfect place for consignment to shine. From the clean lines of mid-century furniture to funky 50’s frocks, Fondren is full of hip clothing and wares — and it won’t break the bank either.

Orange Peel, 422 East Mitchell Avenue
A self-described hip consignment boutique where quality is better than quantity, Orange Peel is found on Mitchell Avenue in a unique craftsman-style home. The store has clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women in the main home, with expanded space for furniture and home accessories outside. With beginnings almost ten years ago on State Street in Fondren Place, owner Kristin Tubb says the move to Mitchell was well worth it. “We all like to see how Fondren is growing,” she says.  “That’s what I’ve loved about moving to Mitchell–we’re paving the way for Fondren’s expansion.”

Silly Billy’s, 534 Mitchell Avenue
An eclectic arrangement of all things vintage, retro, and in between, Silly Billy’s has a little taste for everyone. Since moving to Mitchell Avenue from Duling Hall, the store has brought in a children’s department, home decor, furniture and an expanded men’s section in addition to their offerings in women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Hall says networking with local colleges has been a great way to get his name out into the community. “Sponsoring models, working with (college’s) theatre departments gets our name out,” he says. “It’s affordable for them.”

It’s All About “U”, 2600 North State Street
Jacqueline Chinn Hill opened It’s All About “U” eight years ago overlooking the hill down towards University of Mississippi Medical Center. After retiring from Delphi Packard in Clinton, Hill’s sister, once an All State agent in the same building, encouraged her to open the store. Filled with dresses, shoes, and accessories, It’s All About “U” focuses on women’s apparel for proms and other formal occasions. Open three days a week — Thursday, Friday, Saturday — Hill spends her other days in consignor’s homes picking out the best items for resale. “I’ve seen the neighborhood change over the last eight years and I’m really proud of it,” she says.

N.U.T.S., 3011 North State Street
Shining brightly in purple, teal and yellow on Fondren’s main strip, Neat Used Things for Sale (N.U.T.S.) shows off some of the best items in men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing and home accessories donated to the Good Samaritan Center’s Midtown N.U.T.S. location. Good Samaritan Center Executive Director and Fondrenite Kathy Clem said they had looked elsewhere, but Fondren had a niche for consignment. “As we have watched Fondren gain momentum, we said, ‘This is the place.’ Resale is thriving here. We want to be a part of that.”