Consignment Stores Offer Big Brands

"My kids are totally aware of the impact of the recession, and we try and treat this like fun," Bernetich said. "I've got a 14-year-old daughter, and of course she's totally into the newest style, but at least now she says, 'Hey, Mom, let's see if the consignment store has it.'"

"We get a big kick out of it around the house because all the other kids in Avon go like, 'Huh? What's a consignment store?' But we don't care because the kids are happy with what they find at the store. And I'm happy because I'm not leaving a mall somewhere, depressed about my credit card bill."

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Information from: The Hartford Courant, http://www.courant.com