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Opening a new resale store is an exciting venture—but success doesn’t stop at your store's grand opening. The real work begins with getting your name out there, attracting loyal shoppers, and making your mark in your community. Whether you're in the early planning stages or just opened your doors, marketing your consignment shop the right way is key to growing your brand and driving consistent foot traffic and sales.

Market Your New Store

Here’s how to market your new consignment store like a seasoned pro.

1. Get in Front of Consignors 

Consignors are the supply life-blood of a consignment store, so it’s essential that as soon as you know you’re opening (far before you actually open your doors to shoppers), you start soliciting consignments. There’s a few key items that will help ensure you’re set up properly to support consignor marketing:

  • Determine the details of how you want to handle consignment - hours for drop offs and reviews, return goods or donate, etc.
  • Have a consignor agreement easily accessible
  • Set up a consignor-specific email for consignment inquiries. For example: Consignment@storename.com.
  • Prepare an automatic email response that thanks the sender for their message and shares the answer to the most frequently asked questions about consignors and consignment.
  • Start marketing to consignors: get the word out via local media placements, word of mouth, email newsletter to family and friends, promotional flyers, etc. 

2. Claim Your Business Listings & Leverage Social Media

Make sure your store shows up where your customers are searching. Claim and update your profiles on:

  • Google Business Profile
  • Yelp
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Nextdoor
  • Local directories or resale networks

Encourage happy shoppers and consignors to leave reviews—it boosts your credibility and visibility in local search results. You can encourage shoppers to leave reviews by offering discounts, store credit, or other incentives. 

Your social channels are a powerful (and free!) way to promote your consignment store. Share daily or weekly featured items, behind-the-scenes stories, staff picks, consignment intake tips, and more!

Instagram and Facebook are must-haves for resale store marketing. Use features like Reels and Stories to showcase new inventory the moment it hits the floor—it's a great way to create urgency and keep followers engaged. Don’t overlook TikTok either. Many younger shoppers turn to TikTok to discover resale and secondhand shops in their area, making it a powerful tool to reach new customers and build brand awareness.

3. Host a Grand Opening or In-Store Events

Create buzz and on-going engagement with in-store events, special guest curation, or pop-ups. Invite your community in with a:

  • Grand opening celebration
  • “First Dibs” night for VIPs or consignors
  • Seasonal or clearance sale
  • Partner event with another local business

Capture emails at the event so you can start building a newsletter list—a crucial tool for long-term marketing. 

4. Start an Email Newsletter Early

Your email list is one of your most valuable marketing tools. It keeps your store top of mind and drives repeat visits.

Send regular updates like:

  • New arrivals
  • Consignment openings
  • Style tips or lookbooks
  • Upcoming events
  • Promotions and coupons

Complement your newsletter with additional marketing channels, such as shopping cart reminders, waitlists and wishlists for online stores, and special local partnerships with media and influencers.

*Pro Tip: Encourage shoppers to create TikToks featuring your store or their favorite finds by offering a small incentive—like a discount or giveaway entry. You can also always start creating your own fun, in-store TikToks to highlight new arrivals and show off your shop’s personality! Here are some examples in the Chicago area. 

5. Track What’s Working (and What’s Not)

Marketing your consignment shop is ongoing. Use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and your consignment POS reporting to understand what’s driving traffic and sales.

Pay attention to:

  • Where your customers are coming from
  • Which social posts get the most engagement
  • Which categories are flying off the shelves

This data helps you double down on what’s working—and ditch what’s not.

Start Strong. Grow Steady.


Marketing your new consignment store doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right foundation and a few strategic moves, you can build a brand your community knows, loves, and supports.

We're here to help

Check out our New Store Program—designed to set you up for success with free onboarding, expert training, and access to essential startup guides and resources. You’ll also receive a $500 SimpleConsign discount so you can streamline operations, save time, and build a strong foundation for long-term growth. 

Get Started

FAQ

How can I attract consignors to my new consignment store?

Attracting consignors is crucial for the success of your consignment store. Start by determining the details of your consignment process, such as drop-off hours and return policies. Make sure to have a clear consignor agreement available and set up a dedicated email for consignment inquiries. This helps streamline communication and builds trust with potential consignors.

To spread the word, use local media, word of mouth, and promotional flyers. An email newsletter to family and friends can also help. Consider offering incentives for consignors who bring in high-demand items. These strategies will help you build a solid base of consignors, ensuring a steady supply of inventory.

What are some effective ways to market my consignment store online?

Marketing your consignment store online involves claiming your business listings on platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Facebook, and Instagram. Keeping these profiles updated ensures your store appears in local searches, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as this boosts your store's credibility and visibility.

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your store. Use Instagram and Facebook to share featured items, behind-the-scenes content, and consignment tips. Engage with your audience using Instagram Stories and Reels to showcase new inventory. TikTok can also be a valuable platform to reach younger audiences and build brand awareness.

Why is hosting events important for a consignment store?

Hosting events at your consignment store creates buzz and fosters community engagement. Events like grand openings, VIP nights, and seasonal sales attract new customers and encourage repeat visits. These gatherings provide an opportunity to showcase your inventory and build relationships with your community.

In-store events also offer a chance to capture customer emails, which can be used for future marketing efforts. By partnering with local businesses for events, you can expand your reach and attract a diverse audience. Events not only drive foot traffic but also enhance your store's reputation as a vibrant and active part of the local retail scene.

How can I use email newsletters to promote my consignment store?

Email newsletters are a vital tool for keeping your consignment store top of mind with customers. Regular updates can include information about new arrivals, upcoming events, and exclusive promotions. This keeps your audience engaged and encourages repeat visits to your store.

To maximize the effectiveness of your newsletters, segment your email list based on customer preferences and shopping habits. This allows you to tailor content to specific audiences, increasing the likelihood of engagement. Additionally, consider integrating your newsletter with other marketing channels, such as social media and local partnerships, to create a cohesive marketing strategy that drives traffic and sales.

What tools can help track the success of my consignment store's marketing efforts?

Tracking the success of your marketing efforts is essential for understanding what works and what doesn't. Tools like Google Analytics and social media insights provide valuable data on website traffic and customer engagement. These insights help you identify which marketing strategies are driving sales and which need adjustment.

Additionally, your consignment POS system can offer reporting on sales trends and inventory movement. By analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions about marketing strategies and inventory management. Regularly reviewing these metrics allows you to refine your approach, ensuring your marketing efforts are both effective and efficient in growing your consignment store.
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