Style Encore in Florence: Consignment Shopping for Designer Clothes and Accessories
What Style Encore offers in Florence
Style Encore is a consignment boutique in Florence, South Carolina, where you can buy and sell gently used designer clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. The shop carries brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourke, and other contemporary labels at a fraction of retail price. You bring in items you no longer wear, the shop prices them, and you split the proceeds when they sell—typically receiving 40 to 50 percent of the selling price, depending on the item and current demand.
The store is located on Florence's main shopping corridor and operates as both a retail destination and a consignment platform. If you're looking to refresh your accessories collection without paying full price, or if you have designer pieces gathering dust at home, this is where Florence shoppers go to make that exchange happen.
Key Takeaways
- Style Encore buys and sells pre-owned designer accessories, handbags, shoes, and clothing at consignment rates that typically give you 40 to 50 percent of the final sale price.
- The shop accepts items only if they are clean, in good condition, and from recognizable contemporary brands—damaged or worn pieces are usually declined.
- You can drop off items during business hours and check on their status by phone or in person; sold items are paid out by check or store credit.
- Shopping here works best if you know what brands and styles you're after, since inventory changes weekly as new consignments arrive and items sell.
How consignment works at Style Encore
When you bring items to Style Encore, the staff inspect them for condition, brand recognition, and current market demand. Acceptable pieces are tagged with a price and placed on the sales floor. You receive a receipt with the item description, asking price, and your consignment percentage. The shop typically holds items for 60 to 90 days; if they don't sell in that window, you can pick them up or authorize the shop to donate them.
Once an item sells, Style Encore notifies you and holds your payment. Most shops offer payment by check or store credit, with store credit sometimes offering a small bonus (like an extra 5 percent) to encourage you to shop there. Payment timing varies—some shops pay monthly, others when you request it. Call ahead to confirm their current payment schedule and whether they're currently taking new consignments, since popular shops sometimes pause intake when shelves are full.
What items Style Encore accepts
Style Encore focuses on designer and contemporary brands: Coach, Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourke, Fossil, Brighton, and similar labels that hold resale value. They accept handbags, wallets, belts, scarves, sunglasses, jewelry, and shoes. Clothing is accepted but typically in smaller quantities than accessories. Items must be clean, free of stains or damage, and show only normal wear from use.
The shop declines items with broken zippers, cracked leather, missing hardware, or significant fading. Counterfeit or no-name brands are not accepted. If you're unsure whether a piece will sell, bring it in and ask—staff can tell you on the spot whether it's worth consigning, and there's no fee for items you decide not to leave.
Shopping at Style Encore
Browsing the shop is straightforward: items are organized by type (handbags, shoes, belts, jewelry) and priced to move. Because inventory turns over as new consignments arrive and items sell, you'll see different stock each visit. Prices are typically 30 to 60 percent below retail, depending on the brand, age, and condition of the piece. A Coach bag that retails for $300 might be priced at $100 to $150; a Michael Kors wallet at $30 to $50.
The shop is best visited when you have a specific need in mind—a particular brand, style, or color—rather than browsing for inspiration. Call ahead if you're hunting for something specific; staff can tell you whether they currently have it or can watch for it when new consignments arrive. Return visits are rewarded because new items arrive regularly, especially around seasonal transitions.
Location and hours in Florence
Style Encore is located on Florence's main shopping district, making it easy to combine with other retail stops. Parking is typically street-level or in nearby lots. Hours vary by season and day of the week, so call or check their storefront before making the trip. Many consignment shops adjust hours seasonally or close for inventory, so a quick phone call saves a wasted trip.
Florence's downtown and shopping areas are accessible from I-95 and US 501, with straightforward navigation from most parts of the city. If you're combining a shopping trip with dining or other attractions, the area has restaurants and other retail nearby.
Preparing items to consign
Before you bring items to Style Encore, clean them thoroughly. Wipe down handbags with a soft cloth, polish shoes, and remove any dust or debris. If a bag has a strong odor, air it out for a few days. Check that all zippers work, hardware is intact, and straps or handles are secure. If an item has a small issue you can fix—a loose button, a missing dust bag—fix it before consigning.
Bring the original receipt or packaging if you have it; this helps establish authenticity and can support a higher asking price. If you don't have documentation, don't worry—the shop can usually verify brand and authenticity by examining the piece itself. Organize items by type so the staff can process them quickly, and be realistic about condition; honesty about wear leads to fair pricing and faster sales.
Why consignment makes sense for Florence shoppers
Consignment is practical for people who rotate their accessories seasonally or who invest in quality pieces but don't wear everything. Instead of letting designer bags or shoes sit unused, you recover some of your investment and make room for new finds. For buyers, consignment offers access to brands and quality that might otherwise be out of budget. A Florence shopper who loves Coach or Michael Kors can build a collection at a fraction of retail cost.
Consignment also supports sustainable shopping—items stay in use rather than ending up in landfills. For Florence's community, local consignment shops like Style Encore keep money circulating locally and offer an alternative to big-box retail or online-only shopping where you can't inspect items before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money will I make if I consign items?
You typically receive 40 to 50 percent of the final sale price. A $100 handbag sells for $50 to $60, meaning you receive $20 to $30. The exact percentage depends on the item's brand, condition, and how quickly it sells. Call Style Encore to confirm their current consignment split before you bring items in.
What happens if my items don't sell?
Most consignment shops hold items for 60 to 90 days. After that window, you can pick them up, or you can authorize the shop to donate them. Some shops offer a small discount if you leave items longer. Confirm Style Encore's policy when you drop off your consignment.
Can I consign vintage or secondhand items that aren't designer?
Style Encore focuses on contemporary designer and recognizable brands. Vintage or no-name items are usually declined. If you're unsure, bring the item in and ask—there's no penalty for items you decide not to consign.
Do I need to make an appointment to drop off items?
Most consignment shops accept walk-ins during business hours, but calling ahead is a good idea, especially if you're bringing a large number of items. This ensures staff have time to inspect everything thoroughly and give you accurate information about pricing and consignment terms.
Can I shop at Style Encore if I'm not consigning anything?
Yes. You don't have to consign to shop. Many people visit consignment boutiques just to browse and buy. You'll find the same designer brands and accessories at discounted prices whether you're a consignor or a customer.