Bardonia Business Spotlight: Couture for the Cost-Conscious

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Marcie Myerow.

Business: THE DESIGNER CONSIGNER
Owners: Marcie Myerow
Website: Thedesignerconsignerny.net
Address: 302 Route 304. Bardonia

How did you come up with the name?

It’s catchy, it rhymes and it explains what we do in 2 words so when you drive by you get the gist in a split second.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

Great location in the middle of several towns. On a main thoroughfare. People drive up and down 304 several times a day.

Briefly, what business are you in?

We sell new and used designer clothing for women. People can consign their beautiful discards and earn money. People come shopping here for designer clothing in excellent to perfect condition for pennies on the retail dollar.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

We sell high end items for 25% of retail at least but sometimes people expect to get things for free which is not fair to the consigner. We have simple policies to make sure that the consigner receives fair credit and the buyer gets a great bargain.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

No

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

We love the relationships we have built with our customers. Some of our regulars enjoy coming in and chatting with us. We play music, we sing. We have fun together so it becomes a relaxing respite for a few minutes.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

We are currently trying to branch out on all social media. We are on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and LINKDIN. We are learning.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

As pleasantly as possible.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We work closely with BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS and THE HUMANE SOCIETY. We always put ads in event journals at fundraisers for THE JCC and the schools. We always donate to the FIREMEN and POLICE OFFICERS. Our business is also based on recycling so we teach about caring for the environment and not being wasteful as well.