70 Genesee Street (parking & entrance in back)
New Hartford
Kaila Champoux
If you’re looking for a welcoming shopping destination filled with personality and the perfect amount of sassy style, look no further than The Village Basement.
After years of shopping at the original store, longtime friends Kate Hoover and Amanda Hanna made the shop their own when they took over the business on October 1, 2018. They poured their love of fashion and finding great deals into The Village Basement to give pre-loved treasures a second chance and share them with shoppers looking for the same.
When you step inside, you’ll be greeted with an expertly curated playlist for happy shopping vibes. You’ll immediately notice the impressive purse wall lined with designer bags to match any outfit. Walk a little farther, and you’ll discover something different: the clothing is organized by color rather than size.
“It’s a sensory thing,” Kate explains. “It’s smoother for the eye.”
The color arrangement also encourages shoppers to keep an open mind. Every brand fits differently, and pre-owned clothing can shrink or stretch over time. Pants remain organized by size, but the colorful displays invite customers to browse, discover, and try something they might have otherwise overlooked.
The Village Basement offers an ever-changing collection of women’s clothing in inclusive sizes, ranging from everyday wear to formal attire, along with shoes, purses, jewelry, home décor, furniture, antiques, and small appliances.
Inventory is constantly rotating. After eight weeks on the sales floor, items are moved to the clearance rack where they are discounted by 35% to make space for the next wave of treasures. Unsold items are then donated to Sauquoit Valley Friends and Neighbors in Clayville to benefit the local community.
Designer brands like Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent, however, never make it to clearance. Kate and Amanda pride themselves on understanding the value of both everyday and luxury pieces, giving shoppers confidence that they’re getting a fair price.
One never knows what might arrive through the door. Kate still talks about a stunning floor-length embroidered faux fur Free People coat affectionately nicknamed the “Viking Coat.” Naturally, she couldn’t let that one get away.
“When I wear it,” she says, “I feel like the coolest thing walking the earth.”
Consignors receive 40% of the selling price on standard items, while higher-end merchandise is evaluated individually with a more favorable split. The best consignors “drop and shop,” bringing freshly laundered, in-season clothing in a variety of styles.
Kate and Amanda love that fashion always comes full circle. They enjoy reminiscing whenever familiar styles return, and lately they’ve noticed a younger generation embracing resale through trends like “Granny Chic” and “Cottage Core.”
Over the years, customers and consignors have become regulars who stop by to catch up and shop. The owners also appreciate the Mohawk Valley’s spirit of “community over competition,” where they have noticed that local consignment shops support one another rather than compete. The Village Basement has proudly participated in community events like Chicks Along the Canal in Little Falls, celebrating women-owned businesses such as their own, throughout the region.
Whether you’re hunting for a designer handbag, decorating your home, or simply taking your time browsing the rainbow of racks, every visit promises something new and the excitement of finding the perfect piece for your home or wardrobe.
Fun Fact
Nearly half of Amanda’s wardrobe came from The Village Basement!
Most Memorable Item That Came Through the Doors
More than once, the owners have opened totes overflowing with designer pieces.
Consignment Acceptance Times
Thursday: 9 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Please call ahead before dropping off consignments to confirm space is available and that your items are appropriate for the current or upcoming season.
What They’re Looking For
Freshly laundered, in-season clothing in a variety of styles. Kate especially loves discovering unique jewelry and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.– 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Additional Information
Staff Shout-Out: “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our amazing staff!”
