Something about Hornell always appealed to Val Rook.
After nearly two decades operating her brand of Pookie’s Little Britches consignment shops around the Southern Tier, Rook finally landed in the Maple City this spring.
Pookie’s Little Britches debuted at 33 Broadway Mall, which formerly housed the Peebles and Gordman’s retail operations, in May. If early returns are any indication, the shop has found a home in Hornell.
“I’m very pleased. It does really well and people seem to like it. They let us know that,” said Rook. “I’m so grateful. I just always thought a store would do well in Hornell.”
What to know about Pookie’s new Hornell location
Pookie’s Little Britches primarily carries gently-used clothing for all ages, but it also offers a selection of children’s toys and books, household items, crafts, gifts and the occasional piece of furniture. The Hornell location is Rook’s fifth store, joining sister stores in Bath, Corning, Horseheads and Elmira Heights.
Hornell is the largest Pookie’s store, with merchandise covering three floors.
Rook said Pookie’s new Hornell store has seven employees who handle sales and manage the hundreds of items that come in on consignment. Pookie’s has worked with over 6,000 consignors.
“It’s a circle. I can hire people and provide jobs, and people get rid of stuff they don’t want and can buy items at a lower cost,” she said. “The clothes are nice and I try to keep the prices as low as I can.”
How consignment works at Pookie’s Little Britches
Looking to turn unwanted clothes into some cash? For clothing priced under $7.99, Pookie’s offers consignors $1 for worn items and $1.50 for new items that are still tagged. Consignors receive 35% of the selling price for clothes priced over $7.99, and items priced over $74.99 are a 50/50 split. Consignors receive 35% of the selling price for items like books, toys and household goods.
Items must be clean and clothing must be freshly laundered and folded. Consignors receive money after the item sells; there is no up-front purchase by the store. Pookie’s will rotate items between its various storefronts if they don’t sell.
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“Something might sell good at one store and might not sell at another,” said Rook. “We watch what sells and what doesn’t.”
Pookie’s started consignment in Hornell June 19 before settling into a routine of being open from 1-4 p.m. Sunday plus 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Tuesday.
“I just want to help the community save money and recycle,” said Rook. “The kids won’t remember the clothes they wear, but parents will remember the memories they’re able to make with their kids by saving money coming into the store.”