Leslie Gianettino will be the first to admit that she loves to shop – bargain shop, that is! She says it may have gotten started years ago when she used to help some friends with auctions and developed an affection for antiques and collectibles. And later …. it branched out into clothing.
Two years ago she opened Like New Upscale Resale Shop in Shinnston. She is still in business but has been closed for six weeks doing remodeling in her NEW location. Like New is now welcoming customers at 310 Pike Street, what many may remember as the former site of Feasters Jewelers.
Leslie says she hopes to repeat the longevity that Feasters had before her!
“When my friend Ingra purchased this building for her new dance studio and asked me if I would be interested in occupying space here, I was on board right away,” she said. “Over the past two years, I have established lots of regular customers, so I hated to be closed during the renovation period, but it has been worth it! My new shop has been totally gutted and now has new drywall, paint, flooring, lights – everything!”
She was able to add a very spacious restroom that gives a more than ample space to double as a fitting room, and there, as well as in the store’s main showroom, customers will notice a reflection of her love for the vintage, antique look. She has repurposed many old items – made them “like new”, so to speak – in her décor and for display purposes.
The primary reason Leslie chose to add “Like New” to the name of her store is that the items she sells are truly like new! She does lots of pickin’ and choosin’ when looking for second-hand merchandise!
“I am very selective!” she admits. “I won’t accept anything that is not in pristine condition – no stains, no missing buttons, no broken zippers, etc. There is nothing to ‘fix’ unless perhaps an item is too long and might need hemmed to accommodate the buyer. And all of my items are laundered and pressed before they are hung on the racks. They are really ‘like new’ … and some things may still have the original tags and have never been worn!”
Like New Upscale Resale Shop carries clothing and all sorts of accessories – shoes, purses, belts, scarves and jewelry – for juniors and women with, for example, tops selling in the $6 – $8 range and jeans for $10! That is not to say, however, that there are not dressier items as well. Last week, in fact, Leslie sold about ten very glitzy homecoming dresses!
“There is nothing quite so satisfying to me as seeing someone leave my shop happy to have found a bargain and ready to look fashionable,” she added.
Also on the floor is a line of children’s clothing – from newborn to size 14-16. Many of the children’s items are boutique items that she has found in the Pittsburgh area.
“I have always loved shopping at yard sales and I’ve discovered through the years where the good places to shop are,” she stated. “I shop in the Pittsburgh area pretty frequently and find a lot of stylish kids’ clothes that are truly ‘very gently’ used. I’ve also come to know who in the local vicinity offers good bargains on stylish clothing that are great for resale.”
While some people don’t enjoy hopping from yard sale to yard sale, Leslie is an early riser, goes early to get first choice, and loves doing it!
Now, in her new location, Leslie has also added a trendy men’s line. She says men actually like to shop consignment stores and many come to shop with their wives and girlfriends. In fact, it was some of her male shoppers who suggested that she carry men’s clothing too!
“I am no different than most people; I love a good bargain, and I get excited when I can pass good bargains on to my customers,” she continued. “I don’t mark things up much, and every time I make a little profit, I invest it in more stock and keep my merchandise turning over. It requires me to do a lot of shopping, but I am doing what I love to do.”
Leslie says the rule of thumb is not about spending a lot of money on the hottest fashions. “It’s all about what looks fashionable on YOU!” she emphasized. “People really only need a few versatile items that are flattering to their body type … and from there, it’s all about mixing and matching and accessorizing in different ways. That can make the same basic outfit look totally unique.”
Offering great prices coupled with suggestions on how to pull wardrobe items together to create YOUR look is what you’ll find at Like New Upscale Resale Shop. And don’t think that Leslie is through yet; she’s not! When remodeling is complete on the second floor, gowns and formalwear will be displayed there – along with a vintage fitting area! You will be able to call for an appointment so that special attention can be given during your visit.
Stop by and browse the selections … and if you have no plans this Saturday, Like New will be celebrating its “Grand Re-Opening” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
