Consignment Stores Explained

Why Sell Through Consignment?

In recent years, second hand luxury has shifted from niche to mainstream, driven by changing attitudes toward sustainability, value retention, and smart spending. From designer handbags to fine timepieces, shoppers and sellers alike are embracing the circular economy, and consignment stores are at the heart of this movement.

Discreet, flexible, and often overlooked, consignment offers a compelling alternative to a direct sale, particularly for those looking to sell jewellery or sell watches without time pressure. The market for authenticated pre-owned luxury is thriving, and Luxury consignment stores in London are becoming increasingly important with many buying on consignment.

At S&R and our sister brand, Suttons & Robertsons, we help clients realise the full potential and expand their luxury assets. This guide explains how consignment stores work, and they are an incredible option for the financially savvy.

What is a Consignment Store?

A consignment store is a retail business where individuals (consigners) provide items for sale, and the store sells them on their behalf in exchange for a commission. The consignment store meaning centres on partnership: the consigner keeps ownership until the item sells, while the store (the consignee) handles marketing, display, and sales. The sale proceeds are then split based on a pre-agreed percentage, often ranging from 15% to 30% for the store, depending on the item’s value and category. Today, online and traditional consignment models coexist, each playing essential roles in the expanding luxury resale market.

Consignment stores today span various categories, including fashion, homeware, and luxury jewellery and watch consignment. This model benefits sellers seeking higher returns without the effort of selling directly, and buyers looking for high-quality pieces at competitive prices.

The History of Consignment Stores

Origins of Consignment

Consignment stores originated from early resale practices in 19th-century Europe and America, where second-hand goods were sold at market stalls and charitable bazaars. Religious and philanthropic organisations established thrift shops to raise funds, creating the foundation for modern resale. By the early 20th century, specialised antique consignment stores had developed for both clothing and furniture.

Luxury-Focused Consignment Stores

The mid-20th century brought evolution toward more selective, luxury-focused outlets. Entrepreneurs recognised the growing demand for authenticated, lightly used designer pieces and established the first high-end consignment stores. These boutiques provided curated shopping experiences while assuring consignors their items would reach appropriate buyers at fair prices.

Online Consignment Platforms

Online consignment stores further transformed the industry by offering global reach and unprecedented convenience. Platforms specialising in pre-owned luxury accessories eliminated the need for physical visits, allowing buyers to browse thousands of authenticated listings worldwide. Online and traditional consignment coexist, each offering convenience and play key roles in the luxury resale market.

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Consignment vs Direct Selling: Which Is Right for You?

When selling luxury assets, you can either sell directly or use a consignment store. Direct selling offers speed, ideal if you want to sell jewellery, sell gold, or sell watches fast. We purchase your items outright and pay within 24 hours, with no commission or delay.

A consignment store, however, handles the marketing and sale of your pieces for a share of the final price. While it may take 180 days, it often achieves 20–30% higher returns, especially for premium items like the resale of diamond jewellery or luxury watches.

Ultimately, selling to consignment stores works best for sellers who want to prioritise return over speed, while direct selling is best for those seeking immediate payment and minimal hassle. Read more about consignment vs direct selling and discover your best option.

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Thrift vs Consignment Stores

Though often grouped together, consignment and thrift stores operate differently. In consignment stores, the original owner retains ownership until the item sells, and the store takes a commission, making it a mutually beneficial model. Thrift stores, by contrast, rely on donated goods and often support charitable causes.

Consignment businesses, especially luxury consignment stores, focus on quality, authenticity, and brand value. Unlike thrift stores, items are carefully curated, making the shopping experience more refined. For buyers searching for consignment stores near me, the expectation is a well-edited range of premium pieces, knowledgeable staff, and elevated service.

This distinction is especially important in cities, where demand for high-end consignment stores is growing. These shops offer a more tailored resale experience for those seeking value without compromising on quality.

Popular Consignment Store Types

As previously mentioned, consignment stores come in many forms, each specialising in different categories, including luxury fashion and antique consignment stores. These stores cater to varied audiences but share a common model; offering high-quality secondhand items through a trusted resale process. Below are some well-known consignment stores in the UK across several categories:

Jewellery and Watch Consignment Stores

Suttons and Robertsons, S&R’s sister store with over 250 years of experience, specialises in trusted jewellery consignment and watch consignment, providing expert appraisal and access to a global luxury resale market.

Fashion and Designer Consignment Stores

The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective are leaders in luxury fashion consignment, offering authenticated designer clothing, handbags, and shoes through online platforms.

Antique Consignment Stores

Many antique consignment businesses operate independently, but centres such as Alfies Antique Market in London offer a large number of vetted antique dealers under one roof, often working on consignment terms.

Furniture and Homeware Consignment Stores

The Peanut Vendor and Retrouvius in London are respected names in vintage and designer furniture resale. While not strictly traditional consignment stores, many offer consignment-style arrangements for mid-century and reclaimed home pieces.

These chains help normalise consignment buying by combining quality assurance, convenience, and broad category expertise, making secondhand shopping both accessible and appealing.

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Benefits of Buying on Consignment

Buying through consignment offers access to luxury items that are carefully evaluated for quality and authenticity. When you buy on consignment, you benefit from the expertise of established consignment stores that specialise in premium jewellery, watches, and accessories. Consignment buying is an opportunity to find exceptional pieces, often rare or discontinued, at more accessible prices. From certified consignment watches to designer jewellery, these items are curated with attention to condition and value. Trusted luxury consignment stores offer a transparent process, making it easier to shop with confidence.

For those searching consignment stores near me or exploring the best designer consignment stores online, the model combines value, trust, and sustainability. Whether you are looking to invest or expand your collection, buying through consignment is a refined and reliable option.

Why do Luxury Items Sell Better on Consignment?

For those selling high-value pieces, jewellery consignment and watch consignment offer a rewarding alternative to instant payouts. By working with a luxury consignment store, sellers often achieve higher returns by waiting for the right buyer.

Each item benefits from expert valuation, authentication, and tailored marketing. Listing through a reseller jewellery platform connects you with a targeted audience of buyers actively seeking premium pieces. From the buyer’s perspective, consignment stores provide trusted access to authenticated luxury, making designer watches and fine jewellery more affordable. It’s a win-win: sellers maximise value, while buyers find quality at a lower cost.

The consignment model also aligns with circular fashion principles. Re-selling extends the life of goods, reduces waste, and supports more sustainable shopping habits, especially appealing to today’s eco-conscious clientele.

Consignment at S&R: A Concierge Approach to Selling Luxury

For those looking to consign jewellery or consign watches, S&R offers a premium watch and jewellery reseller service that prioritises return, expertise, and ease.

Our process is designed for clients who want to secure the best possible return without the stress of managing a sale themselves. You keep full legal ownership until the item sells. Once it does, the buyer takes ownership, and you receive the sale amount minus our commission and any refurbishment or repair costs.

Our customer base eagerly awaits new listings, making your items visible to a ready and motivated audience actively searching for authenticated, high-quality pieces.

The S&R Consignment Process:

Process: We sell on your behalf and charge a sale commission.

Return: Expect a higher sale; typically 20–30% more than direct sale.

Eligibility: Select branded jewellery and watches (minimum resale value: £3,000).

Commission: 15% – 30% of the final sale price.

Payment: Once sold, usually within 30 – 90 days.

Effort: Minimal; our experts manage valuation, authentication, and marketing.

Risk: If the item doesn’t sell, it’s returned to you.

Best For: Sellers who want maximum value and are happy to wait.

Whether you're looking to sell Cartier, sell Rolex, or consign something else, our reputation as a leading consignment store in London our trust is built on discretion, expertise, and strong resale results.

Sell Your Luxury Jewellery and Watches with S&R

Want to sell your luxury assets? At S&R, we offer both consignment sales and direct purchasing, so you can choose the option that best suits your goals. Whether you want the highest possible return through consignment or immediate payment via direct sale, our experts are here to help.

Enquire today to start the process with our trusted team.

More About Consignment

Debunking 7 Common Consignment Myths

1. Consignment stores only sell outdated or worn-out merchandise.

Many consignment stores carry current, trendy items and even new-with-tags merchandise. Consigners often bring in items they've barely worn or never used, including designer pieces and seasonal items.

2. Consigned items are damaged, stained, or of poor quality.

Reputable consignment stores have strict quality standards and inspect all items before accepting them. They typically only accept items in good to excellent condition and will always confirm the legitimacy of items.

3. Consignment stores are just overpriced thrift shops.

While consignment stores may cost more than traditional thrift stores, they offer higher quality, curated selections. You're paying for better condition items and often brand-name or designer pieces at significant discounts from retail.

4. Consignment stores exclusively sell clothing and accessories.

Many consignment stores offer a wide variety of items including furniture, home décor, books, electronics, sporting goods, and collectibles. Some specialise in specific categories like children's items or luxury goods.

5. The consignment process is complicated and time-consuming.

Most consignment stores have straightforward processes. You bring in clean, quality items, and if accepted, the store handles pricing, display, and sales. Many stores now offer online consignment options for added convenience.

6. You don't make money through consignment.

Consignment splits typically range from 50-80% to the consigner, which is often more than you'd get from online marketplaces after fees and shipping costs. High-end items can generate substantial returns.

7. Consignment stores offer inferior customer service compared to traditional retail.

Many consignment stores pride themselves on personalised service, building relationships with regular customers, and offering unique shopping experiences. Staff are often knowledgeable about their inventory and can help customers find specific items.

Consignment FAQs

What is a consignment store?

A consignment store is a retail business that sells items on behalf of individuals. The original owner, known as the consigner, retains ownership until the item is sold. Once sold, the store takes a commission, and the seller receives the remaining amount. Many consignment stores, particularly those dealing in luxury items, specialise in high-value goods such as jewellery and watches.

Is a consignment store a thrift store?

No, a consignment store is not the same as a thrift store. Thrift stores usually operate on a donation model and support charitable causes. In contrast, consignment stores sell items on behalf of the owner, who receives a portion of the sale. Luxury consignment stores like S&R offer curated selections, often featuring authenticated, high-value items such as pre-owned jewellery and watches.

Do consignment stores buy clothes?

Yes, many consignment stores accept clothing. However, at S&R, we specialise exclusively in luxury jewellery and watches, including brands like Rolex, Cartier, and Omega. We do not accept clothing or accessories outside this niche.

How much do consignment stores charge?

Consignment stores typically charge a commission, which varies by store and item category. Rates generally range from 15% to 40%. At S&R, our commission is between 15% and 30%, depending on the item and its final sale price. This includes full valuation, marketing, and access to our established buyer network.

Is consignment safe?

Yes, consignment is generally safe when working with reputable consignment stores. Many luxury consignment businesses operate under strict regulations and industry standards to protect both sellers and buyers. These stores often provide authentication, secure storage, insurance, and transparent sales processes.

However, it’s always wise to do your due diligence. Checking customer reviews, verifying the store’s credentials, and asking about their authentication and insurance policies can give you added peace of mind.

Can I consign with S&R?

Yes, you can. At Suttons and Robertsons, we offer a comprehensive consignment service for luxury watches and fine jewellery. We accept select pieces with a minimum resale value of £3,000 and provide full support throughout the process.

Can I consign online?

Yes, S&R offers a secure online consignment service. We provide a fully insured courier collection, so you can consign your jewellery or watches from anywhere in the UK. Our team handles everything from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and safe process.

How long does it take to sell my jewellery?

At S&R, most jewellery consignment sales are completed within 30 to 90 days. Timing can depend on factors such as brand, condition, and market demand. We use targeted marketing and buyer outreach to help you achieve the best possible return.

Luxury for Less with S&R

Discover our beautiful collections of second hand designer jewellery, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and many more incredible brands. Or, explore our exceptional collection of pre-owned watches, featuring Omega, Breitling and TUDOR, and discover your next statement timepiece.

About Us

We are one of London's leading traders in pre-owned jewellery and watches. Family founded since 1770, S&R Jewellers has a rich history, and years of expertise.

A Guide to Pre-owned Watches

Suttons and Robertsons are one of London's leading traders in pre-owned luxury watches for ladies and gents. Discover our guide to buying pre-owned watches.

Visit Us

For more information about pre-owned luxury jewellery and watches at S&R, please get in touch with a member of our team. Alternatively, you can visit us in one of our stores.