consignment store: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “consignment store” mean?
A retail store that sells used goods (typically clothing, furniture, or other items) on behalf of individual sellers, paying the seller a percentage of the sale price only after the item sells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A retail store that sells used goods (typically clothing, furniture, or other items) on behalf of individual sellers, paying the seller a percentage of the sale price only after the item sells.
A business model where goods are accepted from owners for sale, with ownership retained by the original owner until sold, creating a risk-free retail environment for the seller and a curated selection for the buyer. The concept can extend metaphorically to any situation where items are held in trust for future sale or distribution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'consignment shop' is standard in both, but the concept is more commonly labeled and frequented in North America. In the UK, similar shops might be called 'designer resale', 'pre-loved boutiques', or fall under the broader category of 'charity shops' or 'second-hand shops', though those lack the specific commission-based business model.
Connotations
In the US/Canada, often connotes a more upscale, selective, or trendy form of second-hand shopping. In the UK, it may sound like a specifically American retail term, with local equivalents carrying their own social connotations (e.g., charity shops supporting a cause).
Frequency
More frequent in American English. In British English, the specific phrase is less common than the generic descriptions of the shop type.
Grammar
How to Use “consignment store” in a Sentence
[Subject] bought a jacket at a consignment store.[Subject] took her old dresses to the consignment store.[Subject] runs a thriving consignment store.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “consignment store” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to consign her unworn wedding dress to a specialist store.
American English
- He's going to consign his vintage record collection to that cool shop downtown.
adjective
British English
- The consignment agreement stated a 50/50 split on the sale.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a specific retail business model based on commission sales and inventory risk management.
Academic
Might appear in economics or business studies discussing alternative retail models or the circular economy.
Everyday
Common in conversations about shopping, saving money, decluttering, or sustainable fashion.
Technical
Used in retail management, logistics (consignment inventory), and contract law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “consignment store”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “consignment store”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “consignment store”
- Confusing 'consignment store' with 'thrift store' (the latter often owns its inventory). Using 'consignment' as an adjective for the goods incorrectly (e.g., 'consignment jacket' is less common than 'jacket on consignment').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both sell used goods, a thrift store (like a charity shop) usually owns its donated inventory. A consignment store sells goods on behalf of individuals, paying them a share only after the item sells.
Typically, the store owner/manager sets the price, often in consultation with the seller, based on the item's condition, brand, and market demand.
Policies vary. Common outcomes include: the price is reduced, the item is donated to charity, or you must collect it by a certain date.
Yes, it's possible to find high-value, brand-name, or vintage items for a fraction of their original price, as sellers use these stores to monetize quality items they no longer want.
A retail store that sells used goods (typically clothing, furniture, or other items) on behalf of individual sellers, paying the seller a percentage of the sale price only after the item sells.
Consignment store is usually neutral to informal in register.
Consignment store: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈsaɪnmənt stɔː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈsaɪnmənt stɔr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On consignment (the state of goods awaiting sale in such a store)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONsign your item to the store for SALE. They only pay you if it sells, so it's a conditional SIGNment of your goods.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TEMPORARY MARKETPLACE (goods are only 'visiting' the store until sold).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key difference between a consignment store and a typical thrift store?