Bird in Hand Consignment opens at larger home on Highland

by Walt Maguire
Posted 9/16/21

Bird in Hand Consignment reopened July 7 at 9 W. Highland Avenue.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Bird in Hand Consignment opens at larger home on Highland

Posted

Bird in Hand Consignment reopened September 7 at 9 W. Highland Avenue.

Their spot in the Chestnut Hill Community Centre at 8419 Germantown Avenue closed July 31st. Renovations to the building were starting and Sandra Patty, executive director, said they decided to move because many of their pieces were antiques and somewhat fragile. “We just didn’t want all that dust everywhere,” said Patty. A five-year lease was secured on the Highland location, effective August 1st, 2021.

The consignment shop was started in 1976 by a group of residents led by Dottie Sheffield, with support from the Chestnut Hill Business Association, the Chestnut Hill Community Fund and the Chestnut Hill Community Association. It was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1981, and moved into the Community Centre in 1987. All of their profits are donated to charities in the region.

The new space, at 1,000 square feet, is nearly twice the size of the old shop. The lighting is helped by larger windows and a higher ceiling.  More furniture can be displayed; in the old shop, only a few pieces could be out at a time, because of limited floor space. On nice days some of the larger items would spill out onto the front step because there was no room for them inside. Now model living areas are showcased throughout the space. Foot traffic has been heavy since they reopened, and increased with Second Saturday and Sunday’s Clover Market just outside their door. Having more of a furnishings showroom has changed the experience for shoppers. “Customers say it’s a destination,” said Diane Hanson, who has been working the counter almost every day since they came back.

As a charity non-profit, they’re always looking for volunteer help.

Hours are 10-5, Tuesday-Saturday.