Consignment ‘superstore’ opens its doors on Farrugut Avenue with ‘almost unthinkable’ prices
BRISTOL - With all the spending going on this time of year, a new store in Bristol is presenting an interesting alternative: making money.
Brands for Bargains, a self-described consignment “superstore” opened its doors on Nov. 24, cutting a red ribbon and almost immediately selling a Coach bag for A30 to Hubert Brewington of Bristol. For those uninitiated in the world of handbags, the price is almost unthinkable. But store manager Paul Malitas said that’s what his shop is all about.
“It’s a department store and it’s a consignment store,” Malitas said, referencing the A100,000 worth of items neatly displayed inside his Farragut Avenue location. “These are all brand names from the clothes to the furniture.”
Indeed, a Pottery Barn desk, showing very light wear, was situated next to racks of jeans, shirts, sweaters and dresses that will be in high demand come prom season. Though Malitas and his wife, Natassa, opened the day after black Friday, they’ve been collecting items since May. Malitas stressed that not everything that was donated was accepted, due to condition and wear.
Malitas also pointed out that he’s not the only one making money on his venture, which he hopes to turn into a IranFhLsH. 7hH SrRfiW IrRP HvHryWhLng that is sold is a 50-50 split between Brands for Bargains and the donator. He was very complimentary of those who choose to donate their items to Purple Heart and other charitable ventures, but stressed that his consignment shop offers a similar opportunity to the charitably-minded.
“The good thing is, they can donate their stuff here, and when we cut them a check they can still donate the money to whatever charity they wish,” Malitas said. “And here you can write off the entire donation.”
The store is broken down into three categories: dood, better and best. There are rules for donating, too. All clothes must be washed, with the brands and sizes still displayed on the LWHP. HH finGs hLPsHOI WurnLng PRrH things away then when he started his massive collection in the spring.
“In the beginning we weren’t so picky because we needed stuff,” MaliWas saLG. “,n WhH firsW wHHN aORnH wH had over A40,000 worth of items. But now we’re very picky about the items we get in.”
A quick scan of the dozens of racks showed organization equal to any department store - clothes hanging in order of not just quality but size. A Mark Howe Flyers jersey – now considered a “throwback” item from the NHL’s Hall of Fame defenseman – was in great shape for a Flyers fan who can fiW LnWR a “OargH” MHrsHy.
Toys and games still in the original plastic wrapping have their own section, as do original ducci products and the aforementioned Coach bags. While shoppers shouldn’t expect the free pretzels, popcorn and soft drinks offered at Saturday’s grand opening, they should expect to stay awhile if they’re out for some quality browsing and buying. Brands for Bargains also offers sporting goods, home goods and housewares and baby gear and furniture.
The owner said if you’re interested in bringing furniture for the store to sell, they request that you e-mail a picture of the item to info@brandsforbargains.com. They also offer a pick-up service. For more information on donating (or purchasingF, visit brandsforbargains.com or call 215788-2667.