A Black Bear and Bargains in Portland

It’s hard to keep a good man down.

Laid off from his job at a print shop, Gary Bailey didn’t sulk. The East Hampton resident simply came up with a Plan B.

The result: Bailey’s Bargains, a second-hand shop at 204 Main St. in Portland.

“It started from an idea and became reality,” said Bailey. “I was going to storage auctions, buying and selling, trying to make a few bucks here and there. Then I thought it would be pretty cool to get my own place.”

“I stumbled upon this location,” he added, “and it was perfect.”

Bailey’s Bargains opened for business this past April 1, and Day 1 couldn’t have gone much better.

“We did so much business we had almost enough money to pay our rent the first day we were open,” Bailey said. “Obviously, not every day is like that. Lately it’s been slow, but it’s starting to pick up. Weekends, there’s people in and out of here all day long.”

Bailey describes his merchandise as “good, quality second-hand stuff.”

Bailey’s Bargains specializes in furniture, but has lots more for sale, including jewelry, dinnerware, art, figurines, toys; the list goes on.

Most of the merchandise at Bailey’s Bargains comes from estate sales and auction houses. From time to time, Bailey will buy a piece from a customer.

“I try to get unique items,” the shop owner said. One such piece was a hand-painted toilet. “I sold it for 50 bucks,” Bailey said. “Come to find out it was Italian, and it was imported, and I guess it was worth about $1,500.”

Another unique item that didn’t stick around for long at the shop was a red velvet, 70’s era couch.

“There are things you don’t think you’ll sell," said Bailey, "but a certain person will come in and fall in love with it."

Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield is pleased Bailey’s Bargains has come to town - for a couple of reasons. First, the business brought life to what had been a vacant storefront. On top of that, Bransfield is a fan of what she calls “once-loved furniture.”

“I think it’s a great use for the space,” Bransfield said. “I’ve been inside the shop. He’s done a nice renovation. And I understand he’s doing quite well.”

A large stuffed “bear” donning a hat and holding a fishing rod stands watch outside Bailey’s Bargains.

“My mom actually put that out there. I can’t tell you how many people come in asking to buy that thing. I tell them he’s not for sale, he’s just to get you in here,” Bailey said with a laugh.

Bailey’s Bargains can be reached at 860-342-1711. The business can be found on Facebook as well.

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