By ELISE BINGAMAN

September 6, 2017

 

Funky_TrunkDowntown State College just got a little more unique. The Funky Trunk is State College’s newest consignment shop in the downtown area. This shop features affordable, quality clothing that is brand new or very gently worn. Owner Kathy Hume opened the store at its E. Calder Way location in December 2016, and has been customizing the store to the local atmosphere ever since. Hume has made multiple efforts to get involved in the local community and has created a unique blend of merchandise that is great for any customer.

Hume’s background is in the corporate world where she worked in a variety of fields including information sciences, defense, and healthcare. However, she and her husband found that the stress of almost 30 years in the corporate world was taking its toll on them, and decided to simplify and do a mid-life re-boot. As alumni of Penn State, and with their daughter a current student there, they chose to move to State College. Hume had always wanted to start her own business, as well as contribute something to the downtown State College community. Her daughter suggested an affordable, yet high quality retail business, and Hume decided to create the Funky Trunk.

The Funky Trunk is a consignment shop, meaning it sells clothes that are brought in by people from the local community. Those interested must first make an appointment with Hume by messaging her through the Funky Trunk’s Facebook page. At the appointment, Hume will go through the clothes and determine what to sell. She says many of the clothes she accepts are new with the tags still on, or very gently worn. The clothes are consigned for a 60 day period, at the end of which there is a financial split between the store and the consigner for the merchandise that is sold. The store sells multiple brands of men and women’s clothing not easily found in the area, such as Ralph Lauren, Chico’s, Eddie Bauer, J. Crew, and Land’s End. The store also features jewelry and home décor items, such as box signs with witty phrases. Not only do these give the store character, but they also offer an alternative option to customers who may want to shop beyond clothing. The combination of these products results in an eclectic mix of clothes and novelties for different styles, occasions, and people.

Hume says that her  goal for the Funky Trunk is to be an active part of the student and state college community. She has done alternative fundraisers for student organizations on campus, and hopes to continue to do so in the future. Students in the organization bring in clothes to be consigned, and can use the profits they make to benefit their organization. The Funky Trunk has also participated in multiple downtown events. In June, the business participated in the Operation: First Friday event, as well as featured a pop-up market outside the store during Happy Valley Music Fest.

With a growing community presence and so many options for everyone, the Funky Trunk is an excellent choice for affordable, high quality clothing downtown.

Film Strip - Funky Trunk  

Store Information:

The Funky Trunk

Location: 236 E. Calder Way

Phone: (484) 942-6196

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopfunkytrunk/

Instagram: funkytrunkconsignment

Hours:

Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.