'Beauty on Budget' consignment sale draws hundreds of sellers to Oaks with discounts and donations

OAKS, Pa. (WPVI) -- What started as a passion for giving women a different kind of "sticker shock" has grown into a large-scale consignment event. This weekend, it's inside the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

Shannon Cunningham, owner of the Beauty on Budget Sale, has transformed the hall into what she calls a temporary consignment shop filled with discounted women's fashion. The semi-annual event, which runs through Sunday, brings together about 250 consigners selling thousands of items under one roof.

"Everything from designer to junior. There's clothing, shoes, purses, accessories. All under one roof and the prices are just, you won't see them this cheap anywhere else," Cunningham said.

Cunningham described the Beauty on Budget Sale as "a semi-annual women's consignment pop-up event that we run twice a year, once in the spring for spring and summer items and once in the fall for fall and winter."

Shoppers from across the region filled the space this weekend, including some who are both buying and selling. Denise Dennera of Pottstown said the selection stood out.

"They have everything," Dennera said.

Calling herself "just a compulsive shopper," Dennera said the event gives her a chance to clear out her closet and find new pieces.

"This is an opportunity for me to get rid of some of the things that I bought and didn't wear or only wore one or two times, and also pick up new things that I might see in here," she said.

Others came with family in tow. Theresa Dougherty of Eagleville said she brought her daughters for a wardrobe refresh.

"They love the designer clothes, and getting them at a discount at a consignment shop is our best way when we're a big family," Dougherty said.

Beyond bargain shopping, the event also includes a charitable component. At the end of the sale, remaining items may be donated to Laurel House, which helps survivors of domestic violence. Beauty on Budget has partnered with the organization, and shoppers also have the option to contribute at checkout through a matching donation effort.

"One of my consigners actually told me she was a victim of domestic violence, so I wanted to support her in some way," Cunningham said.

She added, "So we are doing a dollar-for-dollar match at the register, everybody that donates one dollar, we will then match it."

Cunningham said the event is designed as a space for women to support one another, both through affordable shopping and community giving.

"Supporting other women is just so important, and this is such an easy way to do it," she said.

The Beauty on Budget sale continues through Sunday at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks.