Stella Rose Designer & Vintage Consignment — Local services in Washington

Consigners BEWARE! I had such a negative experience dealing with the new owner of Stella Rose that I felt compelled to write a review not just to share my own disturbing experience but to warn others.

I consigned several items back in September and found the process very chaotic to begin with. The new owner, Theresa, eventually emailed me an itemized print out however several items were missing (5 to be exact). I followed up with an email noting the oversight which she never responded to. I then called to ask about the missing items and she explained that she wasn’t sure where they were and that some items may not yet be in inventory which didn’t make any sense since this was now 2 weeks later. There was never any follow up from her. RED FLAGS!…but I assumed we would work it out.

I came in today for my 2nd appointment to consign and had a casual friendly convo with the owner while she took everything in. We had previously agreed that I would simultaneously pick up the remaining items that didn’t sell from my 1st drop off (a few days early) since I can’t get to the shop very often due to my busy schedule… but when I asked if she had the items ready …or ever found my missing items she flew into a rage!

I was totally shocked by her behavior. She began shouting and said if I thought she was stealing my clothes then I should take my things and leave. She claims she never agreed to have my items ready today because she would have to ‘override her system’ and that it takes time, etc. I then asked if she could at least provide me with a print out for what sold and at what price. She said she could NOT do that and came up with a myriad of excuses, nothing made sense to me.

The only thing she printed out was a list of what did NOT sell and I had to hunt around with the shop assistant to search for them. And again, several items from the UNSOLD list were also missing and she explained they were PROBABLY sold but not yet in the system. Unbelievable!

This is a business that cannot be trusted based on my experience. No accountability, integrity or manners. No one should be treated so poorly. It was a really crazy and unacceptable encounter. Best to cut the losses. I shall...

The first time I visited Stella Rose Consignment I was blown away! I have known the owner, Theresa, for many years and was excited to see her new venture. In a short time she had already created a shop full of beautiful things -- some very high end -- in a vibe that felt easy and attainable to all. I have been a repeat customer and delight in the treasures I find while marveling at what a woman with no previous experience in this business has brought to the community. Retail is a notoriously difficult industry and customers can be, let's say, difficult. I also know that people who are unhappy with an experience in a shop or restaurant or car dealership can be ruthless in their intent to bring the house down. It's unnecessary to push beyond the everyday complaint and go on a tirade and then use whatever spare time you have to make it your life's mission to ruin someone. I have never witnessed the owner of this store being unfair or unprofessional. If you have to be tough and push back, well, that's part of the game too. But the horrific level of insanity associated with one or more individuals who continue to attempt to ruin a woman's reputation and livelihood is truly pathetic. I'd consider the source of anyone person in such a tirade and visit the shop myself. Theresa is not there to pet your head; she's there to sell your clothes. It's consignment not the health care industry. Perhaps take note of the rest of the world, stop at the White Horse for a drink and unload your Pucci and Gucci so the rest of us can...

Washington Connecticut is a town of 3646 residents.

Let’s recognize the breadth of services & the quality in this rural area and let’s muster BIG gratitude in support of the challenges small business owners juggle. Sometimes our rural small businesses are held to the service bar of “the city”.

To Stella Rose, Thank you for doing what I’m wagering is your absolute best to keep up w: the demand. Thank you for the courage to operate a service based commercial entity in The Villages of Washington. I have enjoyed quietly entering your space & mulling through treasures. I have chosen not to consign. Why? When I enter, I observe the pressure. I will remain a super content treasure hunter & shopper. I enjoy the result of the life experiences that have led to your willingness to purchase and operate this shop. We travel the world within the walls of Stella Rose. I thank you sincerely without “knowing you” …

Lastly, “No” is a full sentence with no ambiguity. 😌

I listen.

Wishing you peace, continued passion and record...