Encore: consignments on Main Street

SALISBURY — Encore, a new consignment shop on Main Street in Salisbury, has been jumping right from the get-go — even during its soft opening on Friday, March 18.Proprietor Dana Scarpa was whizzing around the shop, consulting with the customers (most of them were female), answering questions and doing it all in a pink blouse and green pants.“I’m from Essex,” she said by way of explanation. Scarpa sees Encore as a place where the entire family can find clothing and accessories “for a very reasonable price” — including items for men, kids and plus-size women.“What people have said is that finally there is something on Main Street that everybody can afford,” Scarpa said.In addition to stopping in to shop, people can bring in their good-quality, good-condition clothing for consignment. The deal is that the shop gets 60 percent and the consigner 40. The item is on the floor for 60 days; after 30 days, Scarpa might put it on sale.“The whole point of a consignment shop is to keep things moving.”Anything left after 60 days will be donated to The Bargain Barn in Sharon or to Women’s Support Services.On Friday at around 1 p.m., the shop was crowded. There was a technical difficulty with the drawer of the cash register, quickly sorted out by Dana’s husband, Jeff Scarpa. The glitch didn’t stop commerce from proceeding.There was a contingent from Town Hall at Encore on Friday during the lunch hour. Town Clerk Patty Williams bought a blouse and a summer skirt for an upcoming wedding. Zoning Enforcement Officer Nancy Brusie and Selectmen’s Secretary Emily Egan looked through the racks.In addition to clothing, the shop will have antiques and products from local artisans. Clothing remains the mainstay, though. And the prices are within most budgets.“They have to be,” said Scarpa. “In this recession, even people with loads of money are careful with it.” Encore’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Tuesday. Phone 860-435-0202 for more information.

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