Meet Irene Dunn of Elite Repeat Furniture Consignment in South Shore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Dunn.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Selling used furniture was the last thing that I thought I would be doing for the last 17 years. Maura McMann opened Elite Repeat in 2001. She was running the business by herself, she needed help so I started working there part time. After a few months I bought into the business and we became partners. I had a business degree and experience owning a business.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning it was getting people familiar with what Consignment was. Gaining the clients trust to sell their furniture and explaining they would get a percentage of the sale. The two of us were doing all the work. We did deliveries, pick-ups, and went to auctions at night to fill the store and we worked all the hours. We are open 7 days a week, we would close at 7 pm and do all the deliveries after that. They were long days to say the least. I still work 6 days a week. Even on my day off the phone never stops ringing.

Over 17 years the business has faced many challenges. 1) The housing dip. When people are not buying houses they are not buying or selling furniture. 2) Internet. Craigslist was the first and now online sales like Facebook Yard Sale sites. 3) Competition. 17 years ago there was only one other Consignment shop near us. Over the years I have seen many come and go. There are many ways people can sell their furniture now. We have persevered because we have such a loyal customer and consignor base.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Elite Repeat Furniture Consignment – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We focus on Customer service. I try and not think about the competition. I focus on the customer. If the customer walks out with a smile on their face, they will be back. We are a family at Elite Repeat. My staff has been with me since the beginning. Many of our customers feel like family. We try to personalize the experience of Consignment. We speak directly to clients about selling their furniture because every piece of furniture has a story. In this business you can’t help but to know your customers. Styles change consistently so we only take items we can sell, we can sell high end items worth thousands, but I will even take a $5 item if I know it will sell.

We also cater to all types of people. Old, young, men, women, college students, designers, home stagers. Everyone is welcome at Elite Repeat. People feel comfortable here. We do not push sales. Our furniture sells itself as we have the best prices around. We are known for being a fun store. Many wives say our store is the only one their husband will stop by when they go shopping. We also are known for having a collie dog on staff. For 17 years a collie has been our mascot. Our current collie is “Kingston “everyone loves him.

I give credit to Maura McMann for having the guts to open the store. I give credit to my staff who has been with me since day 1. We have been through a lot together. My 77 year old father even does our website. We have had over 8,000 consignor. We have a very loyal customer base. Some people come twice a week as our inventory changes so rapidly. We would not be here without the consignors and customers that have supported over the years. To them I say Thank You!

Contact Info:

• Address: 700 Washington st Hanover MA
• Website: Www.eliterepeatfurniture.com
• Phone: 781-826-6888
• Email: eiterepeat@verizon.net
• Instagram: Elite _Repeat_MA
• Facebook: Elite repeat Furniture Consignment

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