New business spotlight on Abloom Boutique

HUGHESVILLE - At Abloom Boutique you can bring women's and children's clothing or other accessories and put them up for sale.

"When it sells, they get 40 percent," said the store's owner, Jennifer Birdsall. "I send out checks twice a month."

Abloom is a consignment store at 4481 Route 220, just outside Hughesville.

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MIKE?REUTHER/Sun-Gazette
Jennifer Birdsall looks through clothes at Abloom Boutique on Route 220.

In addition to clothing, the store sells handbags, jewelry, shoes, coats.

"I tell people the only things I don't take are car seats and toys," she said.

Birdsall opened the shop in mid-April and has been happy with the business.

She noted that her store is among some 15,000 consignment businesses in the U.S.

Abloom is one of the few in the local area, however.

Her store, she noted, offers people a great way to get rid of clothing or other accessories they don't want, while still earning a few dollars.

But she made it clear she doesn't sell merchandise that is in bad shape.

"I am very particular with what I take," she said.

For example, all clothing must be freshly laundered. Ripped, torn, soiled clothing will not be accepted.

Much of the merchandise is sold on a seasonal basis.

For example, spring clothing that fails to sell during that season can either be given back to the seller or be donated to a local organization.

Birdsall, a native of Picture Rocks, always wanted to own and operate her own business. And, she said, Abloom is the perfect fit for her.

"It's two things I love to do: organize and play with clothes," she said.

Birdsall, who has a degree in business from Bloomsburg University, said she did a lot of research on consignment businesses before deciding to open her own.

She felt there was a need for her type of business in the area.

Eventually, she'd like to expand her shop, possibly to include men's clothing.