Sneaker Boutique Offers Vintage Collectables in Kisco

Vintage sneakers are a hot commodity, and Secret Society offers a convenient outlet for collectors right in Mount Kisco.

The sneaker boutique, which opened in June, sports an old school collection that includes footwear from the 1980s and 1990s, along with newer shoes. The sneaker inventory ranges from older Air Jordans to Adidas shell tops. Other products include snap-back and fitted caps, and a custom line of clothes.

The sneaker boutique has several advantages, based on what co-owner Chris Quarles described. Similar stores are not available near by and more easily found in New York City, he explained. In selling newer footwear, Secret Society also has a strong supply chain based on networking, which lets them get inventory before big-name stores.

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” Quarles, a Mount Kisco resident, said.

The store also supports exchanging vintage sneakers as a collectors’ item, one that Quarles compared to baseball cards. Interested collectors include people of a wide age range, from kids to adults.

“If that kid has a pair of collectables that he wants, he’s going to treat him like a grown person,” he said.

Secret Society does consignment, which means that people can bring in their collectable sneakers. According to Quarles, they offer a 78-22 split, where the sellers get 78 percent of the proceeds, while the store keeps the remaining 22 percent.

Quarles wants to offer the opportunity for kids to get involved in consignment and make money off of collecting.

“We want to do that more for the kids than anything,” he said.

This fall, there are plans to host a sneaker exchange event geared towards people in Westchester. The plan is to draw sneaker heads, those enthusiastic about sneakers, to come and trade.

Quarles, who handles daily operations at the store and also has a music company, is one of three partners. The others are Rich Franklin, a Bedford Hills resident, and Luis Mendoza, a Port Chester resident. Franklin handles the business side and works at a soccer academy. Mendoza is, as Quarles describes him, “the sneaker pro,” and knows the ins and outs of them. He is currently pursuing his undergraduate college degree.

Kwasi Ware, who handles promotion and social media for the store, said he really likes the atmosphere it brings.

“It’s just a blessing,” he said.

The store places an emphasis on its experience as much as the product, with its benefits and promotion. Music artists make appearances, and visual artists are encouraged to display their work. For example, rapper Chris Webby, who has a strong social media following, was among the earliest guests (on July 1) before heading out on tour. Having a strong Facebook following has also helped in getting the store’s name out.

Another benefit is having a store membership card, which allows for 10-percent discounts during part of the month, along with free admission to artist events; folks without membership heading to events can pay and join at the door. The store also holds monthly auctions for inventory with only one remaining size, with starting prices at the amount the store paid its supplier.

Secret Society is located at 137 E. Main St.