Bibelot gift shop adds clothing consignment

Bibelot gift shop adds consignment clothing Many consignment stores are busier than ever in this economy. Now even Bibelot gift shop is joining in. Its Como store (2276 Como Av., St. Paul, 651-646-5651, www.bibelotshops.com) is accepting women's fall/winter clothing in excellent condition. Used clothing (up to 12 items) can be brought to the Como location only. Consignors will be notified within a week if items have been accepted. The new ReWear department is expected to open in mid-July on the second floor.

Bibelot should be applauded for adding consignment as part of its "reuse, recycle, refresh" mission, but it's disappointing that customers will receive 50 percent of the resale price in store credit, not cash or check. Store credit is more valuable at Bibelot than at many consignment-only shops, but it seems fair to offer more than 50 percent if it's the only option. Bibelot marketing manager Katie McNamara Howie said the store chose 50 percent after researching the resale industry.

Nordstrom targets men Just in time for Father's Day Sunday, Nordstrom's half-yearly sale for men starts Friday (Mall of America, Bloomington, 952-883-2121, www.nordstrom.com) with savings throughout the department. In the past, it's been disappointing to see the amount of "special purchase" merchandise brought in, a trick that outlet stores have been using for years. A retailer as revered as Nordstrom ought to save special purchases for its outlet, the Rack. Nordstrom's department stores have been performing better in a strengthening economy, so the Racks aren't getting as much "primo" stuff from the full-price stores this year. Shop accordingly.

Garage sales go monthly American Cancer Society discovery sales (next to Home Depot, 6731 Boone Av. N., Brooklyn Park, 651-255-8716, www.cancer.org/mndiscoverysale) continue monthly in lieu of the annual garage sale in October. Occasional sales are a great idea if people can remember to show up. The crowds at the monthly sales so far this year have been less than expected. That's good news for bargain hunters hoping to beat the crowds.

This month's sale runs through Saturday and June 24 to 28. Admission is free, and anyone can get 10 percent off if you bring a friend. Items include furniture, housewares, art, kids and adult clothing, new jewelry, small appliances, lawn and garden, sporting goods, building supplies and tools. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.