Introducing Once is not Enuff

Special to Emmaus Patch By Chrissy Cilento, Emmaus High School Senior

Business
Once is not Enuff
4th St. and Main St.
610-967-4383
www.onceisnotenuff.com
Owner Nancy Owen

What does Once is not Enuff sell?
Used women’s clothing and accessories

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What are your hours?
Monday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-4 

How long have you been in business?
I actually worked here and purchased the business from the owner. We’ve been here 33 years -- I’ve been here 25 and worked for her for five.  

What makes your business different from the competition?
I think the fact that we have such great consignors that bring us top-notch, high-quality designer items! 

How does your store’s consigning work? 
People can consign and then use whatever their items sell for as credit to purchase things. People are paid half of what their items sell for -- either in cash, check or, like I said, a lot of people use the credit. 

What inspired you to take over the business after the old owner left?
Well, as I said, I worked here for a bit and the owner moved away and I was just offered the opportunity. It was one of the best things I could’ve done! 

What is the most rewarding part of your business?
 I would have to say seeing people come in excited. We see so many people come in -- it’s like they’re on a treasure hunt -- and they find things they love and they’re thrilled because they’re getting them for so much less than retail! 

What's the hardest part of your business?
Standing all day!! 

Where do you hope to see your business in the future?
I just think we will continue to move in the path we’re in because people enjoy coming here! 

What's the best business advice you ever received?
Always be sure to pay your consigners on time. I divide my deposit every week and put half of it in the consignment account and half in the pay expenses so I never, ever, ever run short -- because I know consignment shops that have had that problem where they can’t pay their consigners. That [advice] was one of the best things. 

If you could give any advice to someone thinking about entering your field of business, what would it be and why?
I would have to say to just be careful what you take on consignment. You can’t fill up on things that just aren’t going to sell, so I think it’s important to be very discerning when you consign items. 

Do you have a role model/mentor for what you do?
Not anymore... I’ve just been doing it so long I kind of feel like we’ve got the hang of it ourselves. But there’s always room for change, I will say that. Over the years we’ve adapted and changed things as we went along.  

What do you do when you aren't working?
Spend time with my family, mostly, and wish I could do more of it! I have grandchildren in Denver and Ohio, which is tough.

Chrissy Cilento, a senior at , plans to study journalism in college. She is a periodic contributor to Patch.