You have to know where to look to find one of Westfield’s most interesting boutiques. Home Economics is hidden behind Westfield Auto Wash at 415 Rahway Ave, and it’s well worth a visit this holiday season.

Owned by Mountainside resident Nancy Zoraian, Home Economics is an upscale consignment shop featuring home furnishings and decor, jewelry and apparel, children’s items, and so much more. Nancy, who graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, is a designer who thrives on helping customers find the perfect piece to finish a room–or an outfit! She is as knowledgeable about Chanel handbags as she is about chintz upholstery. You can see Nancy’s flair for design in the artfully arranged shopping “vignettes” throughout the store.

One thing people love about consignment stores is that the inventory is always changing, and Home Economics is no exception. Nancy has an ever-growing list of consignors who contribute very gently used and sometimes brand-new merchandise. And the prices can’t be beat: you’ll find even high-end items for sale at 50-80 percent off the retail price. Consignors have the option to donate merchandise not sold after 90 days to local charities. Additionally, you can choose to donate a portion of your commission from sales to The New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women.

A good friend of mine recently consigned her lovely sofa set through Home Economics, and she said the process couldn’t have been easier. The set sold almost immediately and Nancy’s husband (who owns the adjacent Westfield Auto Wash) arranged for truck pickup of the sofas, so my friend made some cash without ever lifting a finger or dealing with crazy buyers from the Internet.

Home Economics is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and by appointment to consign items (call 908-451-6551).

www.homeeconomicsconsignment.com