Brewster Business Spotlight: Re-sale for Fashionistas

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 Donna Milano.

Business: The Bargainista
Owners: Donna Milano
Website:
Address: 996 Route 22 Brewster, NY 10509

How did you come up with the name?
I wanted something fun, catchy and would describe the buyers shopping experience

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
Great visibility, easy store front parking. The town did not have a consignment, eBay, re-sale shop that carries items from a $1.00 up to $400.00, and many items are brand new. If the seller has vintage or antique items, I have sold them on eBay.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Consignment, eBay, re-sale

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
Juggling the business while raising 3 children. Trying to talk to Mother Nature about her excessive snow fall, lol

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
No, I have been a Top rated Power Seller on eBay for over 8 years, I wanted to expand my business.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
The people I have met and continue to meet are wonderful. Some have become friends. I know my customers by their name when they walk into my store. I know what they want and look for when they come to shop. I enjoy when a client comes in and asks about an item to sell and I can tell them “Wow do you know how much this is worth”. The people and the items are treasures.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Some have made suggestions when I first opened about how they wanted to “search/look” for clothes on the racks. Since it was varied, I did a little of both.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
I have to honestly say there has not been any difficult customers.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
When girls come in to buy prom dresses, I will offer them shoes at a discount. Items that do not sell are donated, as long as the selling customer does not want the items back