It’s no secret that Instagram has been a lifeline for some businesses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and for one Scottsdale-based luxury consignment store, the social media platform has allowed for it to successfully pivot and turn its brick-and-mortar location into a hybrid online destination, allowing customers to virtually buy, sell and trade luxury goods from all over the world.
Arguably one of the best luxury consignment stores in Arizona located within The Shops at Hilton Village, To Be Continued saw an opportunity to refocus its marketing strategy to offer virtual styling sessions through Instagram Stories in order to consign its designer handbags, apparel, shoes, accessories and more to those looking to buy from the confines of their homes. As a result, the store has seen a 57% year-over-year growth these last few months plus a monthly increase of 1,000 followers as people tune in daily to see the newest items in the store and receive expert style advice from To Be Continued associates.
In addition, To Be Continued recently launched a new trade program that allows for those who may have fallen on tough times from the pandemic to still bring home the designer goods of their dreams by trading in older items sitting in their closet at no additional cost to them. Once the deal has been negotiated, To Be Continued will then authenticate, photograph and take ownership of the new items and sell them through its online store for a profit while the trader unloads handbags, shoes and apparel that they haven’t worn in years.
“At the onset of the pandemic in March, everything came to a screeching halt as we were suddenly unable to service our client base who regularly traveled to our brick-and-mortar locations to buy and sell their luxury goods. So, we had to think quickly and strategically,” said Chrissy Sayare, co-owner of To Be Continued. “Now that we’ve shifted our focus digitally to Instagram and our website, which have always come second to our retail destinations, we’ve been able to access clients from all over the world that are purchasing our products in real time. Over the last few months, we’ve shipped Louis Vuitton and Prada bags to the beaches of Turk and Caicos, Hermes handbags to Hong Kong and a Karl Lagerfeld vintage handbag to the head handbag designer for Chanel in Paris. It’s truly amazing to see the demand during these times.”
With To Be Continued offering upscale boutiques and showrooms, the pandemic has also given Sayare the time to do a few design upgrades to freshen up the look and feel of its flagship Scottsdale location. Vintage artwork, rugs and tables add a more refined appearance and ambience to the store, while fun touches like fresh-cut flowers and blown-up beachballs add a sense of playfulness and whimsy, bringing new life to the interior. There are also two other To Be Continued locations in Los Angeles and Dallas.
Over the last seven years, the store has drawn those traveling to metro Phoenix, whether on vacation or business, to The Shops at Hilton Village. Now, Hilton Village is a thriving, upscale shopping and entertainment destination located within Scottsdale’s high-end dining, shopping and resort corridor. The 93,000-square-foot center is home to more than 25 retailers including Houston’s, Nekter Juice Bar, Humble Pie, To Be Continued, Optical Expressions, Chico’s and The Linen Tree. Bordering Paradise Valley, the center’s national retailers, local boutiques, trendy restaurants and services were carefully curated to meet the needs of the surrounding affluent residents.
To buy, sell and trade luxury goods or for more information on To Be Continued, visit tbcconsignment.com/. For more information on The Shops at Hilton Village, a tenant directory and to see the latest happenings, visit hiltonvillage.com/.
