Consignment stores

I'm excited because a new consignment store has opened on Cary Street: "B-Sides."

My first excursion was a bust because they were not open, even at 11 a.m.  So instead I visited Mongrel, The Children's Exchange (a consignment store with really quite gorgeous children's togs), Chop Suey, a great bookstore with used items and titles of local interest.

...and then I finally stopped at Capital Coffee, where I bumped into A. and had some lovely lemon cake (locally-made by the owner, Beth).

Although I didn't actually make it inside B-Sides, I'm still pleased to see more sustainable businesses opening. 

But it raises the issue: Are consignment stores green? 
Any business generates trash, and uses electricty, water, and paper. 
However, consignment stores do remove clothing from the waste stream and reduce the need to manufacture new clothing by encouraging consumers to re-use rather than purchase items new.


What do you think?  Let us know in comments.

Also, send us information about other consignment stores you love.