By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

Longtime Helena resident Lacy Cost has opened her new consignment boutique, The Royal Market, in Alabaster.

The eclectic and changing variety of merchandise is bringing faces in on a regular, sometimes twice-daily visit.

Cost, who has the assistance of her husband, Al, said, “In the beginning, we planned to concentrate on furniture and accessories, but we had purchased some clothing lots that were priced to move and the response to them proved to be one of our most popular draws.”

There are styles and sizes for all ages — male and female — and some great jeans and assorted shoes. I spied a pair of pink Nine West heels with pointy, pointy toes and a pair of beaded suede moccasins among the styles piled on the rack.

And that item dear to every woman’s heart — a new (but gently used) purse — is represented with designs in casual straw, crocheted bags, evening bags, leather and satchels. I couldn’t get away without purchasing a like-new black SAK purse for $5.

A wide array of costume jewelry comes and goes quickly.

Cost, whose shop has been open about nine weeks, said that lots of people are bringing in merchandise as well, providing ongoing new choices.

Several years back, Cost had a similar store in Montevallo, and the couple decided the time had come for another retail location to support her and husband Al’s penchant for buying up auctioned contents from storage units.

Wandering through their generous space, I came across a W.W. Putnam & Company antique (surely) pump organ that ,yes, does work. A large semi-circular mahogany gaming table with chips and roulette wheel occupied one corner. Nearby were assorted game-room-appropriate prints such as golf-themed art and some interesting old model tin cars.

Most people appreciate something a little different and the two golf-playing clown prints fall into that category, I would say.

The Royal Market has an assortment of prints from botanicals to modern canvases, plus statuary, vases and urns; lots of crystal; assorted lamps, some retro styles and mirrors in several designs — even a bridal gown or two.

For those who can never pass up adding their favorite collectible, be it elephant, owl, cow, hen, rooster or duck, etc., they will find the full menagerie represented. Plus variations such as a small leaded glass duck lamp. Let’s also mention books and Legos.

The Royal Market has additional space for eight consigning vendors at 8919 U.S. 119, Suite 104. Call Lacy at 335-7552 if you are interested.

Just this past May 22, Lacy and Al were married in Helena Amphitheater Park with the eight children they share between them in attendance.

Laura Brookhart can be reached by email at labro16@yahoo.com.