Take a Trip to the Mermaid’s Chandelier Upscale Resale and Consignment Shop

Do you have a special “upscale resale” shop where you live? If you ever visit Beaufort, South Carolina, take a trip to the Mermaid’s Chandelier Upscale Resale Consignment Shop! Beaufort is south of Charleston, South Carolina, and North of Savannah, Georgia. In the sunny Lowcountry, we have people who retire here from everywhere. Most of the time they want to downsize when they get here, shed their dark, heavy furniture, then replace it with smaller and lighter coastal decor. When that happens, the Mermaid’s Chandelier is ready to help. Consigners can bring their goods here and sell them for a profit, rather than simply donating or throwing everything away.

The store is also popular with Airbnb owners. If you are trying to outfit your rental, look no further. From quality art, dishware, cozy furniture, and coastal signs-they have it all. Especially if you are looking for something unique.

The Mermaid’s Chandelier Supports Local Merchants

“Shop Local” is the mantra we often hear in this fast world of online shopping and one day shipping. Sadly, I didn’t have a place to sell most of my hand painted products before I recently rented a vendor’s space at the Mermaid’s Chandelier. I sell my larger paintings in the Beaufort Art Association Gallery and in my Etsy shop, but since I can only submit four pieces per show in the gallery, this one-of-a-kind store is a great place to sell my flower pots, watering cans, smaller paintings, and other seasonal fare without worrying about shipping.

Kathy Gampo also has a space here. As the owner of Vintage Rain, she makes beautiful jewelry pieces and has a crazy green thumb. You can read more about her and see her garden and shop in Meet Kathy Raino Gampo, Lowcountry Jewelry Artist.

This new vendor at Mermaid’s Chandelier is a man. Who says upscale resale doesn’t have things for guys too?

This shelf belongs to Elizabeth Brubaker from Handmade Beaufort. She sells gorgeous mugs, tea towels, and greeting cards. Her display makes me want to go out and buy some lights and greenery for my section.

There are seven merchants altogether renting space. I am inspired by all of their displays and hope to implement some of them in my area in the future.

So, How Did Mermaid’s Chandelier Get Its Start?

Have you ever shopped in a store with a great concept and wondered how it all began? The quality of the merchandise is apparent when you walk into the Mermaid’s Chandelier, but more than that, it is obvious the people who work here are having a great time. I felt the positive environment the very first time I dropped by.

So how did these positive vibes begin? The owners, Kathy and Diane, began with a booth in Consign and Design on Paris, a consignment store in Port Royal, South Carolina. Then, they began staging for a local realtor. Soon enough, they had enough stuff to rent their own place.

Susan and Kris, pictured above, have been working at the Mermaid’s Chandelier for a quite a while. They work together on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They claim the best part of the job is the people they meet. They feel their employment is like a ministry, and pray for the people that come in the store.

Advice for Second Hand Shop Owners

My favorite part of any interview is the recommendations given! I asked Kathy what her biggest piece of advice would be to anyone who wants to open a second hand store on the coast. She said:

*Antiques are less popular here. People want the coastal cottage look. Furthermore, grown children do not want their parents’ antiques. Smaller and mobile is the way to go!

*Selling some types of clothing is difficult because it is specific to size and taste. For example, selling jackets and hats is okay, but pants are way too varied as far as size goes.

I hope you enjoyed Take a Trip to the Mermaid’s Chandelier Upscale and Resale Consignment Shop! If you’re lucky enough to visit Beaufort, South Carolina, drop by 120 A Sea Island Parkway and say hello.

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