There's a special kind of magic in finding that perfect designer piece. It's even better when you find it for a fraction of the original price. The secret to building an amazing wardrobe without breaking the bank isn't about chasing sales; it's about knowing where to look. At Board of Trade in Roswell, we curate a collection of pre-owned designer fashion, furniture, and decor, giving you that Avalon style at consignment value. We’re your local, trusted source for luxury.
Get Designer Style for Less. A Lot Less.
Welcome to the incredibly fulfilling world of designer consignment. If you've ever walked through a high-end boutique in Downtown Alpharetta, admired a gorgeous designer handbag, and thought, "I wish I could find that for less," then you've come to the right place. This guide is for anyone in the Roswell, Marietta, or Milton area who wants to refresh their wardrobe with high-quality, pre-owned designer fashion.
You're not alone. The desire for sustainable, affordable luxury is huge. People are tired of fast fashion and throwaway culture. Shopping at a curated consignment store like Board of Trade doesn't just save you money; it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to get the style you love. It keeps beautiful, well-made items in circulation and out of landfills.
Why Shop Consignment Instead of Retail?
Shopping consignment is so much more than just a good deal. It’s a sustainable choice that injects unique character into your wardrobe and your home. For our shoppers from East Cobb to Forsyth County, it’s a chance to find unique pieces with a story. You get the quality of designer brands without the shocking price tag.
Shopping at Board of Trade is like a treasure hunt for brands you love. Our curated collection means you get the quality of a luxury boutique with the thrill of a great find.
First things first, it’s helpful to know the difference between consignment and a typical thrift store. We curate our collection, selecting only the best pre-owned designer brands in great condition. For furniture, this might mean finding a classic vintage and antique piece that just needs a little love.
If you’re just starting your consignment journey, the most important thing is to drop by often! Our inventory changes daily. A piece you find might just need a simple refresh. For wood furniture, small things like surface scuffs can often be fixed with simple techniques. For a really deep dive into fixing scratches, this complete guide to restoring scratched wood is a fantastic resource.
Ready? Let’s find your next designer piece today.
Your Go-To Consignment Store in Roswell, GA.
Before you start your search, let’s get one thing straight. The first rule of smart consignment shopping is simple: know where to go.
It’s easy to get excited about finding a great deal, but not all stores are created equal. When you’re looking for designer consignment in the Roswell or East Cobb area, you want a place that is local, trusted, and curated. You want to know that the pieces have been carefully selected for their quality and style.
That’s where we come in. At Board of Trade, we do the hard work for you. Our team meticulously vets every item, from women's designer consignment handbags to men's fashion and consignment furniture. We make sure you're getting authentic, high-quality pieces every time.
Your job is to simply come in and discover the beauty underneath, all without wading through racks of clutter. And that process starts with knowing exactly what you’re looking for.
Find Your Favorite Designer Brands
Most of our shoppers from Alpharetta, Milton, and the surrounding suburbs come in with a few favorite brands in mind. Knowing what you’re looking for is critical because it helps you zero in on the best finds.
Here’s a quick way to think about your shopping trip:
- Women's Designer Consignment: Looking for a specific handbag, dress, or pair of shoes? We carry top brands and our inventory is always changing. Let our team know what you're hunting for!
- Men's Designer Consignment: From jackets to footwear, our men's section offers premium brands that add a touch of class to any wardrobe. It’s the perfect place to find designer style without the designer price.
- Consignment Furniture & Decor: Often found in the finest homes, these pieces bring character and quality. They may just need a simple cleaning or a quick touch-up to be perfect for your space.
Once you know what you want, then you can start the hunt. But please, never assume you have to spend a fortune to get the look you want. The value at a curated consignment store is unmatched.
Your Guide to Smart Consignment Shopping
You might be surprised to learn that the best way to shop is to visit regularly. For our local customers in Roswell and Forsyth County, dropping in for a quick browse is the best way to snag new arrivals.
For consignment furniture, a simple solution of mild, phosphate-free dish soap and distilled water can often be all you need to revive a piece. Mix a few drops of soap into a small bowl of warm water, wring out a cloth until it’s just damp, and gently wipe the surface. You’d be amazed at how often this simple step is enough to lift years of grime.
If you’re dealing with tougher buildup that soap and water can't handle, you can escalate—carefully—to mineral spirits.
Pro Tip: When cleaning a piece of consignment furniture, always always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. This ensures you won't harm the original finish.
Tackling Details and Hardware
For both fashion and furniture, the details matter. On a designer handbag, check the stitching and hardware. On a piece of furniture, inspect the handles and knobs.
For brass handles, knobs, or keyholes, your approach depends on the look you want. If you love the aged patina, a gentle cleaning is all it needs. But if you prefer a brighter shine, you can carefully remove the hardware, polish it, and then reattach it.
This slow, careful inspection is the foundation of a great consignment find. It connects you with the piece and gets it ready for its new life in your Forsyth County or Alpharetta home.
From Wobbly Find to Solid Gold
A gorgeous antique chest or a finely carved chair is only as good as its bones. If it wobbles, it’s a problem. When you're browsing consignment furniture near Milton or Marietta, don't be scared off by a little shakiness. Wobbly legs and loose joints are common issues you'll spot, but they're also incredibly satisfying to fix yourself.
A wobbly find can be a great bargain. Just be prepared to give it a little TLC. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap joints apart, clean out the old glue, and re-glue it with a quality wood adhesive.
The market for restored furniture is growing. It's no surprise the furniture repair market was valued at $2.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to climb to $4.3 billion by 2031. A big reason for this is sustainability, with 70% of consumers saying they'd rather repair an item than toss it. When you consider that a proper structural fix can boost resale value significantly, that wobbly table starts to look like a great investment. You can get more insights on this growing trend from Verified Market Research.
The Right Glue for the Job
Once a joint is apart, you’ll see the crusty remains of old, failed glue. You have to get rid of every last bit of it. A small chisel or a dull screwdriver works great for carefully flaking the old adhesive away. You need a perfectly clean surface for the new bond to hold.
Now, let's talk about glue. Your first instinct might be to reach for a modern PVA wood glue. Stop right there. For older pieces, that’s not always the best choice.
The professional's secret weapon for antique furniture is almost always hide glue. It’s incredibly strong, but its superpower is that it's reversible. Years from now, another restorer can simply steam the joint apart to make a new repair, preserving the integrity of the piece.
Using hide glue is pretty simple. You warm it, apply a thin coat to both parts of the joint, slide them together, and get your clamps ready.
Clamping for a Rock-Solid Finish
Clamping is where the magic really happens. You’re aiming for just enough pressure to pull the joints together snugly while the glue sets.
Here are a few tips for getting it right:
- Use clamping blocks: Always put a piece of scrap wood between the clamp’s jaw and your furniture to prevent dents.
- Check for square: As you tighten, use a carpenter's square to make sure your corners are at a perfect 90-degree angle.
- Wipe away the excess: Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe away any glue that squeezes out.
Let the piece sit for a full 24 hours to cure. Once you take the clamps off, you’ll have a sturdy, stable piece of furniture ready for another century of use. This is how you turn a shaky find from a local Marietta consignment shop into a solid family heirloom.
Finishing and Refinishing Your Consignment Find
This is the make-or-break moment. You find a sturdy old dresser at our Roswell or Marietta locations, and the finish looks tired. Should you refinish it? Getting it wrong can sometimes hurt the value, so it's a big decision.
The key is learning to see the difference between desirable patina (the gentle signs of age) and actual damage.
Patina vs. Damage: Reading the Surface
Patina is the story of a piece—the minor scratches and soft sheen that only time can create. It’s the good stuff.
A failing finish, on the other hand, is a structural problem. Here’s what to look for:
- Alligatoring: The finish has a cracked, scaly pattern.
- Crazing: This looks like a web of fine, hairline cracks.
- Flaking or Peeling: If the finish is physically lifting, it’s beyond saving.
- Persistent Stickiness: A finish that stays tacky has likely started to break down.
If you only see surface grime, a gentle cleaning and a new coat of wax might be all it needs. But if you spot any of the signs of a failing finish, a full refinish is probably your best bet.
Restoration Approach Decision Guide
Deciding whether to simply clean and preserve or commit to a full refinish can feel daunting. This table breaks down the common symptoms to help you make the right call.
| Symptom | What It Looks Like | Recommended Action | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dull & Dirty | The surface looks cloudy, hazy, or just plain grimy. | Clean & Wax | The original finish is likely intact under years of buildup. A gentle cleaning will reveal its true character. |
| Minor Scratches | Light surface scuffs that haven't broken through the topcoat. | Clean & Preserve | These are part of the piece's history (patina). A good wax or polish can often blend them in. |
| White Rings | Cloudy, white rings from moisture (e.g., a wet glass). | Spot Treat | These can often be removed with specialized products or techniques without stripping the entire piece. |
| Alligatoring/Crazing | A network of cracks, looking like scales or a fine web. | Refinish | The finish is brittle and has failed. It can't be repaired and no longer protects the wood. |
| Flaking/Peeling | The finish is visibly lifting, chipping, or bubbling off the wood. | Refinish | The bond between the finish and the wood is broken. It must be completely removed. |
| Deep Gouges | Scratches or dents that go down to the bare wood. | Repair & Refinish | The wood itself is exposed and needs repair. The finish is compromised and must be redone for a uniform look. |
Ultimately, if the finish is no longer doing its job, it's time for it to go. But if it's just showing its age gracefully, preservation is always the better choice.
Stripping Old Finishes: The Right Way
Once you’ve committed to refinishing, it's time to remove that old, damaged layer. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection.
This flowchart maps out a simple repair flow for common issues. You'll often find that a wobbly joint needs attention before you can even think about the finish.
As you can see, addressing structural instability first is a critical first step. When it comes to stripping, you have three main options: chemical strippers, heat guns, or—as a last resort—sanding.
Take your time. Stripping is the most labor-intensive part of the project, but a clean, well-prepped surface is the foundation for a flawless new finish. Don't rush it.
Choosing Your New Finish
With the old finish gone, you’re ready for the fun part. The finish you choose will define the piece's final look, transforming your Forsyth County find into a true centerpiece. For a much deeper dive into this stage, check out our comprehensive guide on how to refinish wood furniture.
It really comes down to two components: stain (for color) and a topcoat (for protection). By choosing the right combination, you honor the piece’s history while preparing it for its next chapter. It's this thoughtful approach that turns a forgotten piece of consignment furniture from our Alpharetta or Milton neighbors into something truly special.
Find Your Next Designer Piece at Board of Trade
Alright, you’ve got the knowledge. Now comes the best part: the hunt. There’s no better place to find pre-owned designer fashion and furniture than Board of Trade. Our sprawling 10,000 sq ft showroom right here in Roswell is a goldmine for anyone looking to find designer brands at consignment prices.
Think of us as your personal sourcing studio. We’re constantly curating a collection of high-quality consignment pieces, with new items arriving daily from some of the finest homes in Roswell, Milton, and Forsyth County.
Your Local Roswell, GA Consignment Store
Every trip to Board of Trade is a new adventure. One day, you might stumble upon the perfect designer handbag. The next, a classic piece of furniture that just needs a little cosmetic love. We offer a huge variety of women's and men's designer consignment brands.
The pieces you’ll find on our floor are high-quality and ready for a new home.
- Women's & Men's Designer Fashion: We see so many amazing pieces from local Alpharetta and Marietta closets just waiting for a second life.
- Designer Handbags: Spot a designer handbag you love? It’s the perfect way to elevate your style without the retail price tag.
- High-End Furniture: We get pre-owned furniture that can look like it came straight from Avalon or Downtown Alpharetta—but for a whole lot less.
This is your chance to save money and get incredible style. A great consignment find can easily become a showstopper for your East Cobb home. Drop by and browse our racks today!
From Consignment Find to Cherished Heirloom
The beauty of sourcing from a trusted local consignment store is the quality you start with. We vet every piece that comes through our doors, making sure it has the character and integrity worth your time. You’re not just buying pre-owned items; you’re adopting a canvas with a story.
Shopping for pre-owned designer brands on consignment is the ultimate sustainable choice. You're not just saving an item from the landfill—you're adding a unique, high-quality piece to your life while saving money. It's a win-win-win.
And once you get the hang of it, you might even consider flipping furniture. Learning how to refashion consigned furniture can quickly turn a weekend passion into a profitable side hustle.
Increase Your Earnings as a Consignor
Got a quality piece at home that could use a little TLC? Fixing it up before you bring it in for consignment can make a huge difference in its value. A wobbly chair with a scratched finish will probably sell, but that same chair, tightened up and beautifully restored, will command a much higher price.
That means a bigger check for you. A few hours spent applying the tips from this guide can directly boost your payout.
So, whether you're a buyer on the hunt or a seller looking to get the best return, think of Board of Trade as your local partner. We’re just a short drive for anyone in the Cumming, Milton, or Roswell area. Visit us in Roswell and find your next designer piece today!
Your Consignment Questions Answered
We get it. Shopping for pre-owned designer brands can bring up a few questions. Here in our Roswell store, we've heard just about everything you can imagine from folks in Marietta, Alpharetta, and all over North Atlanta.
So, let's clear up some of the most common questions we hear. Think of this as a friendly chat, answering those nagging "what ifs" before you dive in.
What Are the Biggest Mistakes Beginners Make?
By far, the number one mistake is not visiting often enough. The best pieces go fast! If you're searching for "consignment near me" in Roswell, make it a habit to drop by regularly to see what's new.
Another pitfall is not inspecting an item carefully. Whether it's a designer handbag or a piece of furniture, take a moment to check for any wear and tear. We pride ourselves on our curated quality, but it's always smart to give it a once-over yourself.
Using the wrong cleaning materials is another big one. Putting a harsh chemical cleaner on a delicate fabric or a fine wood finish can cause damage.
Our Golden Rule: Always start with the least invasive method first. For furniture, clean before you repair, and repair before you even think about refinishing. Patience is your most valuable tool.
How Do I Know If a Piece Is a Good Deal?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? At Board of Trade, we price items fairly based on their brand, condition, and original retail value. You can trust you're getting a great deal.
- Check for a Signature: For furniture, look everywhere for any maker's marks or labels. For handbags and fashion, check for authenticity tags and stamps.
- Examine the Construction: Quality construction is a dead giveaway. Look for beautiful dovetail joints in drawers instead of staples. For clothing, check the seams and stitching.
- Consider the Brand: High-end designer brands hold their value better. Finding a classic piece from a top designer is always a great investment.
If you suspect you have something special, especially from a known designer, a quick search online can often give you an idea of its retail value. Our team is also here to help you understand the value of the pieces in our store.
What Are the Essential Tools for a First Furniture Project?
You don't need a massive workshop to get started on a consignment furniture find from our East Cobb or Cumming neighbors.
Your essential toolkit should include:
- A good set of screwdrivers
- A rubber mallet (for gently tapping joints apart)
- A few sturdy clamps
- High-quality wood glue (hide glue is best for true antiques)
- Fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit and up)
- Tack cloths for dust removal
- Plenty of soft, lint-free rags
- Basic safety gear: gloves and goggles are non-negotiable
This small arsenal will empower you to handle almost any basic cleaning and minor repair with confidence.
Can I Paint Antique Furniture?
This is a hot topic! The short answer is: it depends. Painting can be a fantastic way to update a piece that has "good bones" but a finish that's damaged beyond repair.
However, you should almost never paint a true, valuable antique. Paint is incredibly difficult to remove properly and can destroy its historical and monetary value.
So, here's the rule of thumb we share with our Forsyth County and Milton customers: if the piece isn't a significant antique and its original finish is unsalvageable, painting is a perfectly acceptable choice. But if you have any doubt, stick to restoring the wood.
For a deeper dive into wood types and woodworking techniques, you might find some great resources on Timbercloud's woodworking blog. Understanding the material you're working with makes all the difference.
Ready to find your next great project or the perfect designer piece to complete your room? At Board of Trade, our 10,000 sq ft showroom in Roswell is filled with curated consignment furniture, designer fashion for men and women, and unique home decor. Whether you’re shopping from Marietta, Milton, or right around the corner, we invite you to explore our ever-changing collection. Visit us today and discover why we're North Atlanta's favorite destination for luxury consignment.