“Slow economy spurs business owner to offer shoppers beachside bargains”

Slow economy spurs business owner to offer shoppers beachside bargains

Posted: 20 May 2010 03:39 PM PDT

On a quiet Pompano Beach street corner, just blocks from the ocean, Johanne McGaughey is wading through a sea of trinkets, sports memorabilia, artwork, vintage clothing and handbags. And this is something she does everyday.

"Everybody loves the shop," she said. "They all say it's so cute. That we needed something like this."

McGaughey is the owner of The Beach Closet, an antique and consignment shop on Hibiscus Avenue. The shop opened in January, due in part to an economy in decline. McGaughey decided to open a consignment store so people could buy things at a discounted price.

Last October, McGaughey began collecting at boutique closeouts, estate sales and auctions, and accepting items on consignment. All sales are split 50-50 with the store and McGaughey pretty much accepts anything in good condition. A seller also must agree with McGaughey on the price of the item.

"I basically have a little bit of everything," she says. "People will come back here to see what kind of deal I have for this week."

The shop's walls are lined with antiques and artworks, including many beach-themed paintings. The shop also sells nautical-themed collectibles, such as old boat signs.

And the racks are filled with vintage designer clothes. The floor is filled with a ton of antique furniture. She even boasts Dot Art furniture — which is popular in Australia.

The Beach Closet carries a large collection of designer handbags, from brands such as Versace, Coach and Dooney & Bourke, which normally retail in the hundreds but here shoppers can find them as low as $70.

But the clothes serve as a real draw. Featuring vintage duds from designers like Cache and Giorgio Armani, her shop offers an impressive display of men's clothing by popular department store designers. The window displays, which feature a sneering pirate and an angry shark's head, underscore the eclectic array of treats to be had.

"I really like to find the odd pieces," McGaughey says. "It's fun to shop for the deals."