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Better Homes & Bargains
After years of consigning,
Cheryl Myers
opens a consignment store
of her own
By Allison Patterson, The Shopper
It had barely been a week since Cheryl Myers reopened Better
Homes & Bargains at the Volvo Shopping Center, but you would hardly know it
from all of the bustle and traffic at one of Chesapeake’s only consignment
stores.
She seamlessly and cheerfully juggles phone calls, deliveries, purchases and
questions from consignors while chatting excitedly about her exciting new
business. Cheryl bought Better Homes & Bargains (previously Classy Way
furniture and accessories) in July and started out fresh in August with a broad
array of merchandise that constantly changes.
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“One of the things
I love about this work
is the people that I meet. I love hearing about
the history of the pieces people want to sell.”
—Cheryl Myers
“One of our goals is to provide the area with a selection that
will please almost any style or taste. More important, we believe we offer folks
who have something to sell a place where they will get a fair price without the
hassle of yard/garage sales, newspaper advertising or Internet bartering. Many
of our consignors are redecorating or giving a room a new look and just want to
sell certain furniture pieces or accessories. They often tell me that they are
not comfortable with selling from their homes for a variety of reasons. And they
don’t want to run an advertisement for one or two items. It’s not cost
effective,” Cheryl explains.
Enter Better Homes and Bargains, where consignments are displayed in a bright,
spacious and tastefully decorated storefront setting and each item seems to have
its own unique, well thought-out place. “We have had so many people tell us
how nicely our shop is decorated. I give all the credit to our manager and
Better Homes veteran, Sharon Roberts. What shoppers also notice and appreciate
is the excellent condition of the merchandise.”
Cheryl says the store only takes consignments in very good to excellent
condition. “Basically, we sell merchandise that you would find at any retail
store for less than what you would pay…the only difference is it’s been
previously owned,” Cheryl explains.
The shop does not take electronic equipment, but will look at any furniture or
home décor accessory. Better Homes will also pick up and deliver consignments
and purchases. Contracts extend for 60 days with an option to renew if the item
is not sold. “We want to make this the first-stop shop for folks who have
something they would like to sell and when they are looking for that special
something whether it’s for their home, office or a model,” she says.
Cheryl is very excited about networking with local interior decorators and other
home décor professionals to let them know about Better Homes. She says she
plans to do this several ways, but finds that talking to people is one of the
most effective means of getting the word out. “One of the things I love about
this work is the people that I meet. I love hearing about the history of the
pieces people want to sell. It’s really fascinating and I learn so much about
our consignors and customers. Just this morning I had a customer who is an
interior decorator who is working on several projects in the area. She didn’t
know about us and now she does,” Cheryl says.
But what Cheryl likes most about Better Homes is that it works so well with her
family. Cheryl and her mother were both born and raised in Hampton Roads. “My
family is my first priority. I have two beautiful children who are preschool age
and owning a business allows me to set my schedule so that I can be with them at
a time when they need me the most. My husband and my mom and dad have done so
much to support me too.” Cheryl says her dad helped with electrical projects
at the store and even moved inventory; her mom is planning to work regular hours
at the shop. “And my husband has just been terrific about helping out at home
and with our kids,” she adds.
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The Grand Opening is scheduled for September 9 through 11. On Friday, Sept. 9,
light refreshments will be available and, while supplies last, free CDs and
bracelets will be given to customer who make a purchase. On Friday, Saturday and
Sunday, there will be drawings for two $25 gift certificates. The real
attraction for customers is the store’s spectacular inventory. “Having
worked as a consignor for so many years, I know our store is going to really
have an impact on the consignment business in Hampton Roads.”
All anyone has to do is walk into Better Homes to fully appreciate her
professionalism and love of her vocation. Shoppers will find everything from
milk glass and fine china to traditional and art deco. Better Homes is
tastefully eclectic, and merchandise is artfully displayed for optimal
attention. In one corner, a row of mixed art deco and hard crafted ladies’
purses hang in a symmetrical row surrounded by an array of tables, chairs, an
ottoman, wall hangings, mirrors and décor accessories that blend a variety of
themes in a delightful presentation that effectively captures the eye.
And no matter what style or look you favor, you’re very likely going to find
something to your liking at Better Homes. From cherubs and ballerinas to cowboys
and farm critters, accessories provide a marvelously broad selection for
decorating jobs great and small.
One customer says she’s redoing a room where she wanted to use roses as the
theme as she purchases a wall mirror framed in delicately crafted pink rose
buds. She’s obviously pleased with her find and Cheryl is pleased for her.
“For many years, I really hadn’t considered running my own consignment shop.
But when this opportunity came up, I just couldn’t resist it. I love this
business, because to me it’s not work…it’s fun.”
Better Homes & Bargains
109 Volvo Parkway
Suite 2
548-6440
