Students who have considered selling old items now have a place to do so.

Junior Erik Paulson has opened his own consignment store called New to You Consignments where customers can both buy and sell used items.

The purpose of New to You Consignments is to sell items on behalf of their customers.

“We provide a service for customers to be able to sell items that they no longer need,” Paulson said.

The store sells many different items including furniture and electronics. They also sell outdoor items and collectibles as well as many other things.

The store opened this past summer on August 26, which was also the first day of classes.

Paulson started his business in a former Internet café that was in a part of a building that his dad owns.

“It was determined the space would be available in a high traffic area of Fremont on July 1,” Paulson said. ”I asked my dad if I could put something in the space and he allowed me to.”

Paulson obtained the space for the store the day that it was available, but he was not sure of what business to start at first.

“I varied between a shoe store, audio store and all other kinds of stores,” Paulson said, “but since I didn’t have any money to purchase start up inventory, and felt I was a good salesman, I decided to sell other people’s stuff.”

Some students have never used the services of a consignment shop.

“I haven’t sold or bought anything from a consignment shop,” said graduate student Morayo Akinkugbe, “but I might if I find a good one.”

Other students found it interesting that a student on campus started his own business while still in school.

“It has to be hard to run a business and manage school at the same time,” said senior Anthony Cornwell. “It’ll be like having two jobs.”

Paulson had to do a lot of things to get his business started.

He had to clean out the internet café, set up a bank account and obtain a license, Paulson said.

He also went to garage sales and passed out his business card. He even offered a free pick-up service until he was able to fill the store with items.

Paulson has hired and trained an employee to help him out with the store and so far, he seems to be enjoying his new business.

“It has been a fun learning experience thus far,” Paulson said.

New to You is located at 202 E. State Street in Fremont, Ohio.