Key Takeaways

  • A compelling consignment store name should be simple, brand-relevant, and scalable.
  • Including terms like “vintage,” “second,” “again,” or “boutique” helps convey the resale nature of the business.
  • Conduct name availability checks through state business databases and online platforms.
  • Consider legal aspects such as avoiding trademark infringement and following labeling requirements for secondhand goods.
  • Understand your target market and product niche to craft a name that resonates with potential customers.

Resale names are important when you're opening a shop that will resell goods and products. The name you choose for your business will determine whether potential customers understand what you are offering, as well as convey a message about your brand.

How to Name Your Business

As you come up with a plan to name your resale business, the first thing to do is be as specific as possible. Many consignment shops focus on specific niches or genres of goods, such as items for children and babies, apparel, vintage home goods, or antiques. If you choose to focus on a specific type of goods in your shop, make sure the name reflects what is available. It might also make sense to include rhyming words in your business name, as this will help customers remember the name more easily, which could increase business.

Since a consignment shop often is a smaller business venture, some sole proprietors choose to include their names in the business name. You may be the only employee of the shop for a while, or even forever, so using your name will help represent your role in the industry and the business.

Legal and Safety Considerations When Naming a Resale Shop

When brainstorming names for consignment stores, it’s important to consider not only branding but also legal and compliance factors. For example, resale and thrift stores in the U.S. must comply with product safety regulations established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If your store name implies the sale of children’s goods, your inventory—and by extension, your brand—must meet federal safety standards for items like cribs, toys, and clothing.

Additionally, consider conducting a trademark search to avoid inadvertently infringing on existing brand names. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers a searchable database, and securing legal counsel can help ensure your chosen name doesn't expose your business to legal disputes. A well-chosen name balances creativity, marketing appeal, and legal safety.

Six Easy Steps to Naming your Consignment Shop

The first step in naming a consignment shop is applying the K.I.S.S. rule, which stands for "Keep It Simple, Stupid." The name should be simple, easy to pronounce, short, and easy for customers to remember. Long names get confusing, so keep yours to two or three words at the most. When you try to be clever and change the spelling of a common word, you could end up with confused customers or constant mispronunciation. Keeping it simple also includes keeping the spelling simple.

Step two in naming a consignment shop is making sure the name you choose communicates your brand message. The name should clearly state what you offer and who you are as a business. You might include common words like:

  • Twice
  • Again
  • Second
  • Repeat

Your business name should also reflect the tone of the goods available. If you plan to open an upscale boutique with high-end, brand-name consignment goods, you probably wouldn't want to name it “Rhonda's Recycled Goods.” Make sure you're including words that convey a feeling about what your store will sell. For example, if you plan to use the word “boutique” in your business name, your shop should be intimate and offer items that have been carefully curated for customers.

It's also important to make sure that the business name you want isn't already in use in the state where you plan to open your store. You will need to conduct research through the Secretary of State official website in your state. Start by finding the web address of your Secretary of State's office, and then use the business search tool on that site to get started. You should also do a comprehensive web search of your business name to make sure you're not associating yourself with something disreputable or another existing business elsewhere.

After you have narrowed your list of business names, create a list with 3-5 of the top choices. Use the search functionality on the Secretary of State's website and perform a web search. Consider asking friends, family members, and even potential customers what they think of the name. You'll want to ask whether the name is memorable and reads well. Request feedback about the thoughts and feelings evoked when people read the name.

Make sure to think about the future of the shop when you come up with its name. Don't use words or phrases that are too trendy and might be out in the next few years. Be cautious not to pigeonhole your shop into selling only certain goods. For example, if your shop will start by selling accessories but you plan to add apparel in the future, don't use a name like “Secondhand Purses.” Give your business room to grow.

Creative Themes and Words to Inspire Consignment Store Names

When looking for inspiration for names for consignment stores, consider the following creative directions:

1. Play on Words or Alliteration:

  • Twice Treasured
  • RePeat Boutique
  • New2You

2. Descriptive and Direct:

  • Upscale Resale
  • The Baby Exchange
  • Designer Revival

3. Evocative and Stylish:

  • The Velvet Attic
  • Luxe Loop
  • Second Time Chic

4. Trendy and Niche-Specific:

  • Thrift Society (youth-oriented fashion)
  • Eco Exchange (sustainable branding)
  • Little Sprouts (children’s consignment)

Think about the emotional tone you want your brand to project—whether it’s vintage charm, modern minimalism, or luxury resale—and align your name accordingly. Don’t forget to test how the name sounds aloud and how it looks in a logo or storefront design.

Naming a Resale Business

You may want to get further feedback and get to know more about your potential clients by conducting a marketing analysis. Conduct surveys in potential areas where you might open your store. As you get more familiar with the customer pool, it will be easier to come up with a name that speaks to members of that pool.

Tips for Scaling Your Brand Beyond the Store Name

While choosing a catchy name is important, building a brand identity around it is equally vital. Here’s how to extend the impact of your name:

  • Domain & Social Media Availability: Secure a matching website domain and social handles early on.
  • Visual Branding: Ensure the name works well in logos, signage, and packaging.
  • Future Expansion: Choose a name broad enough to accommodate potential new product categories or services.
  • Consumer Clarity: Use taglines or sub-brands to clarify offerings (e.g., “Urban Relics: A Designer Consignment Shop”).

A scalable brand name not only supports business growth but also builds customer trust through consistent branding.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What makes a good name for a consignment store?
    A good consignment store name is simple, relevant, easy to remember, and conveys the store’s niche or vibe (e.g., vintage, upscale, eco-friendly).
  2. Should I include the word “consignment” in my business name?
    It’s optional. Including “consignment” can help with SEO and clarity but may not be necessary if your name and branding clearly suggest resale.
  3. Can I trademark my consignment store name?
    Yes, if it’s unique and not already in use. A trademark can protect your brand identity and prevent competitors from using a similar name.
  4. How do I check if a business name is taken?
    Use your state’s Secretary of State business name database and conduct a web and trademark search via the USPTO website.
  5. Are there regulations for selling certain items in consignment stores?
    Yes. The CPSC regulates the resale of certain items like cribs and children’s products to ensure they meet safety standards.

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