Toni Greco took over Maria Fe's Upscale Consignments in Malvern about five years a
go.She knew the area had a good combination of very rich women who could afford the best in clothing and others who would like to look as if they could afford them, too.
"So what I decided to do," Greco explains, "was open a store that would cater to the upper echelon people that -- buy that new thing every year, that new line -- that they're not going to wear the following year."
The racks are full of deals on gently-used designer clothes like a White House/Black Market sundress for $39.50, a J. Crew sundress for $22.50 and a Gucci pencil skirt for $169.50.
Greco says about 40% of her inventory is brand-new, including pieces she consigns for high-end boutiques that fail and several pieces on the multiple racks of Lilly Pulitzer.
Noting that a lot of her regular shoppers were moms and grandmoms, Greco expanded into children's high-end re-sale as well, with a shop in Maria Fe's basement called "Mommies."
Mommies quickly outgrew the basement, so Greco moved into the building next door. Mommies has kids' clothes from name like Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, and Ralph Lauren.
From there, Greco added a homegoods store -- where you can pick up an oak table for $175, bamboo placemats for $1.50 each or a whole set of china for $49. And Greco has further expansion plans.
"Beginning in September, we hope to open a men's store -- that's going to men's (clothing) and tools," she says.
To find Upscale Consignments on the web, click here.
