With 'Girlfriends', Dardanelli back in consignment biz

Like clothes? Debbie Dardanelli does.

This consignment veteran likes selling them, too: she opened Second Act in 1991 and sold it nine years later.

According to Louise Deacon, her friend and only employee, "Debbie loves retail and couldn't wait to get back into the consignment business."

So Dardanelli opened "Girlfriends" at 210 Nichols St. in Friday Harbor, the former location of Gallery San Juan.

Debbie has more than a thousand never-worn or lightly-used items with labels like Tribal, St. Johns, Citron and Tommy Bahama on her racks.  She says, "All the clothes are in excellent condition, some new and never worn and some gently-used."

The store has more than clothes, too. A selection of brand-name jewelry, handbags (Coach, Fossil, Cole Haan), hats, perfumes and shoes and boots (Dansko, Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan) are arranged around the store and in showcases.

At least three-quarters of her stock is for "girlfriends," but she carries things for "boyfriends" as well -- including some quality tuxedos from Gardeaux's of Orcas Island. Wanna' look good for the prom, guys?

She tells everyone who asks about bringing things in (by appointment, 360-370-GIRL); however, Dardanelli adds, "If you wouldn't buy it, don't consign it."

More than 100 islanders and off-island friends are consigners and receive 50 percent of the agreed-upon sales price. If something doesn't sell in three months the agreed-upon price is reduced by half. If the item is still there after another month, the consigner can retrieve it or Dardanelli will donate it to charity.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: 360-370-4475, e-mail: girlfriends@centurylink.net

— Steve Wehrly

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.