How BUTTON Changed my Shopping Attitude

10 reasons why I no longer Shop at Normal Retail Stores

A few weeks ago, I was at BUTTON when the owner Liz asked me if I could help her make over the company website. My immediate response: “Yes, what do I have to do?”

Her goal was to do a photo shoot of customers in action. She wanted to show the customer experience at BUTTON.

Being able to help gave me a great deal of pleasure. Button has become a very special place for me and has shaped my shopping attitude. The staff at Button has always made my shopping experience unique, and I wanted to give back to them.

You see, I quit my long-time job in early 2017, and, as a result, I had to make a few budget adjustments, shopping including.  In the beginning it was easy. I was pregnant, and after my Lucy was born, I didn’t need much clothing. But it really hit me at the beginning of 2018 when I re-discovered my closet and all the many things that no longer fit. Much of what I had I no longer needed since I wasn’t going to an office on a daily basis.

This experience was a blessing and a cure at the same time. I realized that I owned pieces that I couldn’t wait to wear again and had others that I didn’t miss at all. (For all of you that know Mari Kondo:  This was the “Does-this-bring-you-joy moment?”)

Nonetheless I was hesitant to get rid of the things I didn’t like anymore:

• I felt guilty because I had only worn them once or twice.
• I had spent a lot of money on them and felt I had no money to buy new things.
• I liked the style and hoped the piece would grow on me again.

Since I simply didn’t have the shopping budget I had before, I needed to get creative.

That’s when I started to do some research on consignment stores in Portland. Come to find out, Button was just a mile from Lucy’s daycare (when she first started).

I had consigned with Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange before, but I hadn’t enjoyed those experiences and didn’t want to go back to them. I felt my clothing wouldn’t be valued at these places.

The experience with Button is 100 percent different. The store is such a little gem.

Everything is organized; it smells great; their team (Women’s Power House) is super kind. Finally, Button’s collection is just amazing and extremely well curated.

Long story short, I cleared out my closet and started consigning at Button.

By doing that, my shopping attitude completely changed. The following 10 reasons outline why I no longer shop as much at normal retail stores:

• MONEY: Customers save sooooo much money and can find brand new items up to 90 percent of its normal retail price. (I always try to only use my store credit. That way I don’t spend much money on clothing.)

• TIME: Consignment stores carry all kinds of brands under one roof (e.g. Anthropologie, Madewell, J. Crew, etc.). It’s like a one-stop-solution. And, it’s still trendy and the latest and greatest.

• QUALITY: Premium quality. Let’s face it: Fast-Fashion can’t be used for consignment, because it’s worn out by the time you want to get rid of it. That said mostly all the pieces you can buy at Button are premium quality.

• SERVICE: A customer doesn’t need an appointment. She can consign during the normal shop hours (up to 20 pieces). The rules are super easy. Shop while they go through your stuff. No judgment, no awkward moments, no justification. Customers are happy to sell stuff, and Button is happy to get inventory. It is a win-win.

• SPECIALS: Shoppers find the best deals, hidden treasures, and special pieces. It’s a bit like a little scavenger hunt, because customers never know what they will find each time.

• LOCAL: Shop local and support your small businesses in your neighborhood. On top of it you have the chance to give back with BUTTON and their multiple fundraisers they host to give back to the community every year.

• NO GUILT: Go all the time without feeling guilty. It’s a win-win for the shop and for the customer. When bringing in new stuff to them (even re-consigned items), clientele can always shop around.

• FUN: Team Button makes it a fun and a premium experience for all ladies and kids. (yes, kids’ clothes can be consigned, too). Staff provides feedback, are honest, watch the kids, and let them play with everything while parents shop.

• COFFEE:  Arbor Lodge Coffee, the cutest little coffee shop, is just around the corner.

• SHOP 24/7: Follow Button’s Instagram to shop 24/7. The store also ships in case clients don’t live in PDX.