In this economy, most of us are thinking twice about paying full price for our clothing. We’re also thinking twice about shopping on impulse. Now, thanks to Karen Zamloot and Jennifer Gagliostro, we can do a lot less second guessing and still look like a million bucks.
The two very stylish Veronans are in the process of opening B. Savvy Boutique, a consignment shop for women’s fashion, shoes and accessories. This is not your grandma’s thrift store. The pieces now coming in for the racks at B. Savvy have labels that range from Gap to Chanel, much of it with the tags still on. “The stuff that we are getting has tags on it for hundreds and hundreds,” says Zamloot, who has worked in the fashion industry for 20 years.
But the fashion industry has changed greatly in those two decades, and the advent of high-end second-hand stores is a big beneficiary of those changes. “Consignment has been big on the West Coast,” says Gagliostro. “And now they are popping up here.” Verona residents Kim, Geoff and Erin Schmidt opened a children’s resale store, Once Upon A Child, in Fairfield early this summer. Just this week, Baristanet had news of a new consignment shop in Montclair, SwapXXchange.
Though there will be big names on the hang tags, the garments won’t just be for those with fashion model physiques. “We’re getting all sizes,” says Zamloot, “and a lot of handbags. Women get tired of them and they hold up nicely.”
So by now you may be wondering where on Bloomfield Avenue B. Savvy will open. It won’t. Though Zamloot and Gagliostro did scour Verona for a location, they ultimately chose to place their store at 176 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland, across from Fairchild’s restaurant. The location has ample parking and one other secret weapon–it is next to a nail salon. “Women who are getting their nails done weekly will breeze through,” says Zamloot of her store.
B. Savvy will work on a traditional consignment shop model. Women looking to clear out their closets by selling to the store will set up an account and will get back 40% of the sale price. “You’re not going to get rich by consigning,” Gagliostro concedes, “but you will feel better knowing your things are going to people who want them.” If the merchandise is not sold within 60 days, the consignee can take it back or have it donated to the charity of their choice.
When the store opens next month, consignees will need to make an appointment to bring in merchandise. But as part of the store’s pre-opening special, consignees can e-mail Zamloot and Gagliostro and they will pick up items–a minimum of 10, please and they will waive the annual fee. They are currently collecting fall and winter fashion.
And while major retailers have the comfort of predictable brands, B. Savvy’s owners think they may have something better. “We are getting new inventory hourly and it is one of a kind,” says Zamloot. “You never know what we are going to get, so you have to stop in.”[mappress mapid=”220”]
