Cinderelli’s comes under new ownership

Date: 1/30/2014

By Lori Szepelak

lori@thereminder.com

SOUTH HADLEY – Cinderelli’s Consignment Boutique is under new ownership but still retains the same mission – bringing fashion and philanthropy together.

On a recent late afternoon visit, Granby resident Diane Olson, the new owner of Cinderelli’s, was waiting on customers, pricing new items that had recently arrived for consignment, and tweaking the nooks and crannies that abound in the shop.

“I’ve been a lifelong shopper so my goal is to have Cinderelli’s as a nirvana candy land for anyone who walks in the door,” Olson said.

Olson noted that some customers enjoy taking their time to look at every display, which is painstakingly created with an artistic flair.

“Cinderelli’s is total eye candy,” she said, adding that each week she sponsors a student from the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in town to help set up displays.

“Students learn independent skills and how the retail business works,” she said.

Olson’s background is in engineering, however, after she volunteered for several months last fall at Cinderelli’s, she knew her passion was to open her own consignment shop.

Also during the fall, Providence Ministries in Holyoke had decided to focus its limited resources on its basic mission of feeding, clothing and housing the needy, and needed to find a community partner for Cinderelli’s. On Jan. 1, Cinderelli’s ownership was transferred to Olson.

“A lifelong lover of all things style and fashion, Diane brings a special passion and creativity to this business,” Christine Burns, director of development, Providence Ministries, said.

Cinderelli’s will continue to accept donations for Providence Ministries, Mother Mary’s and the Holyoke Career Closet. Consignees will also have the option to have a portion of their consignment directly benefit Providence Ministries.

People interested in consigning items should note that all clothing should be clean and pressed with no flaws, handbags and shoes should be clean with no flaws or odors, and lounge wear and active wear is also accepted as long as it is clean and free of flaws.

“We accept gently used brand name items that are currently in style,” Olson said. “Shopping mall brands are in most demand.”

Brands including Coldwater Creek, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Coach, Gap, Cache, Talbots, Black House/White Market, H&M, Jones NY, Anne Klein, Calvin Klein and DKNY are a sampling of what Olson offers.

“One of my goals is to help women find outfits that they look good in,” Olson stated. “We have a practical, good selection of clothing that is reasonably priced.”

Jewelry that is new or vintage, accessories and beauty items are also accepted on consignment, as well as scarves, perfumes, lotions, jewelry boxes and candles.

“Just walk in and we will take care of you,” Olson said, noting appointments are not needed to bring in consignment pieces unless one has a large amount of items from an estate.

“We would prefer to make an appointment when a large amount of items are coming in,” she said.

Consignment items are full price for six weeks and then are marked 50 percent off for two weeks.

“We return your unsold items after eight weeks unless you opt to donate to Providence Ministries,” Olson said.

Olson will be changing her shop hours as of Feb. 1 to better serve her customers. Cinderelli’s will be open Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop will be closed Sunday to Tuesday.

Olson currently has two promotions – a discount card that is stamped for every $5 spent and when all boxes are filled in, the customer can redeem for a $10 discount, and a 10 percent discount for students and seniors (65 and older).

For more information, call 540-0693 or visit Olson’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cinderellis-Consignment-Boutique/179602222076187.

“I will strive to have Cinderelli’s be an art gallery for fashion,” Olson said.