Upcycled Luxury

Explore Treasures in Resort Resale

Interview by McKenna Mears | Photography by Hunter Burgtorf

Resort Resale isn’t just about shopping; it’s a journey of discovery where style meets sustainability. It’s a curated selection of high-end furnishings, art, and decor at accessible prices. Each piece is handpicked with a discerning eye for quality and design, ensuring only the finest finds grace their shelves. Through a seamless process, Resort Resale facilitates the transition of pre-loved items so each piece finds its perfect new home.

Fresh from a rewarding visit to Resort Resale, VIE spoke with entrepreneur, mother, and Resort Resale owner Jill Tanner to uncover the inspiration behind this design haven, explore emerging trends, and glimpse into the future of sustainable luxury.

VIE: Tell us about Resort Resale. How does it work?

Jill Tanner: There are two sides to our business: customers and consignors. Customers shop at our store, where they can browse and purchase gently used high-end pieces at typically around half of what retail prices would be.

Prospective consignors reach out to us by sending photos via text of the items they’re looking to sell. Given the high volume of inquiries we receive—sometimes exceeding thirty offers a day—we take great care in evaluating each submission. Not every item makes it into our inventory; we maintain a discerning eye, initially considering factors such as style and market demand. Subsequently, we assess the condition of the items. Only those in excellent shape make the cut. Our commitment lies in providing our customers with quality, well-maintained furniture. Often, our inventory includes brand-new pieces previously used for staging.

VIE: You also work in marketing. How did you come to own Resort Resale, and what inspired its concept?

JT: My husband, Mark, and I established a marketing and design agency, Clutch Media Works, in 2014 and continue handling marketing, websites, and graphic design services for our clients. Among our clientele was Resort Resale, and during a conversation with the previous owner, we discovered she was looking to sell the business. After much discussion, Mark and I decided that acquiring Resort Resale aligned perfectly with our vision.

The decision was motivated by more than just business; it was about pursuing something tangible after years behind a desk. Resort Resale, founded in 2008 by locals Ray and Vickie Dollar, had already established itself as a beloved establishment in the community. Their dedication laid a solid foundation for a thriving enterprise that filled a crucial niche in the area. It changed hands once more before coming to us.

VIE: What design trends have you noticed becoming increasingly popular?

JT: Bold lighting, statement decor, and, best of all, color! No longer are we in a sea of gray and white. People are looking for dramatic, unique pieces that bring life to their homes. We have noticed a rise in the popularity of rich, dark fabrics, complemented by luxurious gold accents and materials such as concrete, walnut, burlwood, and rosewood. Seeing the resurgence of dramatic elements in home design fills us with excitement. The bland, coastal design era is receding, making way for a refreshing shift in tastes and preferences.

VIE: Are there any styles or aesthetics that tend to sell particularly well?

JT: It’s really across the board. This area of the Florida Panhandle caters to full-time residents and visitors. For those furnishing their primary residences, the demand leans toward bold and dramatic pieces. However, given the prevalence of rental properties in the area, there’s a significant need for durable, high-quality furniture. Slipcovered sofas, known for their ease of maintenance, particularly resonate with the rental market, offering practicality without compromising on style.

VIE: How do you incorporate current design trends into the items you offer for resale?

JT: When an offer comes in, we know pretty quickly if it’s something we can sell. We have a keen understanding of market demands and are well aware of items that have historically struggled to sell, leading to donations. Consequently, we prioritize accepting only those items with strong resale potential, aligning with what our customers seek.

Seeing the resurgence of dramatic elements in home design fills us with excitement.

VIE: How can our readers become shoppers and consignors?

JT: The best way to shop is to browse our store in person. We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also stay updated with our latest arrivals and offerings through our active presence on Facebook and Instagram. We frequently do live walkarounds, showcasing our newest additions and giving you a firsthand look at what’s in store.

For consignors, the process is simple. Just text photos of your items to (850) 225-7578, and we’ll promptly assess them for suitability. Once approved, we offer a complimentary pickup service. Your items will then undergo thorough research, be priced at approximately half their retail value, and be listed for sale. Upon a successful sale, we operate on a 50/50 split with our consignors.

VIE: How do you juggle being a mom and working two jobs? Could you give us tips on your time management prowess?

JT: Ha! I’m just like everyone else—“busy.” It’s a phrase I hear echoed daily, especially among working parents. Regardless of their job situation, it is a constant refrain from all my friends. As parents, we inherently juggle multiple responsibilities, striving to provide for our families while cherishing quality time with our children.

Whether Mark and I were working a single job or managing four businesses, I believe we’d still find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of busyness. We pride ourselves on our proactive approach; we tackle tasks as they arise, ensuring we stay ahead of the game. I’ve always believed in the mantra, “If you do it today, you don’t have to worry about it tomorrow.”

Our daughter loves visiting the store, and I can envision her joining us in the business one day. I firmly believe that all children should have experience working in a service-oriented field, be it retail or hospitality. It instills valuable lessons in empathy, communication, and teamwork that are indispensable in any walk of life.

VIE: What has been the most unexpected surprise when venturing out as owner of Resort Resale?

JT: Discovering a passion for design and employing a team we truly care about! Our team isn’t just a group of employees; they’re like family to us, and we treat them as such.

We all enjoy coming to work, collaborating on styling the store, and assisting our customers in finding those one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to their hearts. Helping others discover items they can’t imagine living without brings us immense joy and fulfillment.

VIE: What excites you most about the future of Resort Resale?

JT: Expansion. We’re currently exploring opportunities to venture into neighboring markets, with the potential for even further expansion beyond that. The appeal of our concept continues to grow, especially as more individuals embrace the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

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To shop, consign, or learn more about Resort Resale, follow them @resortresale on Instagram or visit ResortResaleFL.com.