Shoppers Flock To Carousel Consignments In Janesville, Wisconsin To Bring Vintage Charm To Life
Tucked away in Janesville, Wisconsin, Carousel Consignments has become a treasure trove for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts alike.
This family-owned consignment shop first opened its doors in 1995, quickly becoming a community staple for those looking to buy, sell, or browse unique pre-loved items.
The Humble Beginnings of a Local Favorite
Martha and John Reynolds started Carousel Consignments in a tiny storefront with just 800 square feet of space.
The couple, both antique collectors themselves, wanted to create a place where quality used items could find new homes.
Their first year was challenging, with barely enough consignors to fill the small shop. But word spread quickly about their fair commission rates and friendly service.
By 1997, they had expanded to the current 5,000-square-foot location on Main Street, transforming from a small hobby shop into Janesville’s premier consignment destination.
A Treasure Hunter’s Paradise
Walking through the doors of Carousel Consignments feels like entering an organized treasure hunt.
The shop arranges items by category rather than by consignor, making it easy to browse specific interests.
Vintage furniture sits alongside contemporary pieces, while glass display cases showcase jewelry, coins, and collectible figurines.
The back room, affectionately called the ‘Bargain Basement,’ offers deeply discounted items that haven’t sold within 90 days.
Regular shoppers know to visit frequently – the best items often disappear within hours of being placed on the sales floor.
Community-Driven Business Model
Unlike typical retail stores, Carousel Consignments thrives on community participation.
Local residents bring in gently used items, and the shop sells them for a percentage of the final price – typically a 60/40 split favoring the consignor.
This model has created a sustainable circular economy in Janesville.
Many customers are also consignors, creating a unique ecosystem where money stays within the community.
The Reynolds family estimates they’ve worked with over 8,000 different consignors since opening, helping families earn extra income while reducing landfill waste.
Seasonal Events and Special Sales
Christmas in July marks Carousel Consignments’ most anticipated annual event.
For one weekend, the entire store transforms with holiday decorations in the middle of summer, featuring discounted Christmas items from previous years.
Their Anniversary Sale each October celebrates another year in business with storewide markdowns and refreshments for loyal customers.
The shop also hosts quarterly ‘Consignor Appreciation Days’ where sellers receive bonus commissions.
During Janesville’s Downtown Revival Festival, Carousel extends their hours and sets up sidewalk displays that draw crowds of tourists and locals alike.
Evolution and Future Plans
The second generation of the Reynolds family now manages day-to-day operations, bringing modern touches to the traditional business.
They’ve implemented an online inventory system allowing consignors to track sales in real-time through a smartphone app.
Social media has become a crucial marketing tool, with daily Facebook posts showcasing new arrivals that often sell before physically reaching the store.
