 | | | Designs 2 Consign comes to Rheem Shopping Center Photo Vera Kochan | | | | | | Looking for the perfect outfit for the holiday season? Try Rheem Shopping Center's newest store Designs 2 Consign located at 522 Center Street, Moraga.
Owner Lisa Karp's consignment store occupies the space previously held by the Moraga Art Gallery, which moved to the north end of the center.
The grand opening on Nov. 21 was a bustling success with a business model aimed at offering women's clothing and accessories, along with a nod to boys and girls between 12-18 years looking for semi-formal/formal wear.
Karp's business skills come from managing a cousin's store, outside of Moraga, for two years. She decided to try her hand as an owner and moved to Moraga. "We have a need for more stores, and there's no store like this in town," Karp said. "I bring a focus on high-end, offering a carryover from T.J. Maxx type of clothes. I ultimately want to cater to the middle section and Saint Mary's College women." At this point in time, her boyswear offers blazers, jackets and belts.
Business ownership is in Karp's DNA. Her great-grandfather came from Germany and opened Koster Grocery in San Francisco. Sadly, it burned to the ground during the 1906 earthquake. She's also shared ownership duties at two eateries in Orinda - Table 24 and Fourth Bore, saying, "Brick and mortar is in my blood."
Karp fell in love with the Moraga location in September and was able to begin moving in during October. Not much has changed to the space except that the back room was turned into dressing rooms. While she was touring the art gallery, she admired artist Pamela Murray's paintings. Karp contacted the Orinda artist and struck a deal with Murray by offering to continue selling her art at the store.
Karp plans to also sell items on her website. The focus will be on handbags, jewelry and high-end clothes.
"Commission percentages will be based on the value of the items. It's a partnership between me and the consignee. It's about what we can make together," Karp said, adding, "At the end of the consignment period, which is two months, you would let me know if you want the item back, if you want to donate it to the store, or to Hospice of the East Bay, at which point you'll get a donation receipt from Hospice."
Designs 2 Consign store hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Consignment transactions are by appointment Tuesday through Friday. Website: designs2consign.com or phone (925) 247-5623. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA