At one time that designer loveseat was truly loved, but now you’re over it. That’s okay. Tastes, décor and domiciles change. Yet there’s no need to kick (or drag) that gently used treasure to the curb. Riverside friends Julie Rubich, Patricia Espinosa and Betsy Perry and Fairfielder Joannie Buhrendorf (Betsy’s sister) have created the perfect spot for it.
The enterprising foursome recently launched The Local Vault, a secondhand online marketplace conceived as a well-appointed virtual showroom for Fairfield County buyers and sellers interested in the consigned furnishings market.
They hope locals will think of their venture as a stylish alternative to larger bidding portals. “We’re presenting a great place to get rid of your stuff or find great pieces,” says Betsy. “And we’re keeping it local because you really don’t need a sofa from Atlanta.”
The partners, with backgrounds in real estate, retail, event planning and DIY design, are actively engaged in cultivating TLV’s gently used, high-quality inventory. They set prices (splitting profits 60/40 in favor of the seller) and have no qualms about turning items away. (So there’s no junk.)
They present their finds in a blog format, with photographs displayed in editorial quality vignettes. They’ve even partnered with area design retailers for loaned accessories that elevate an item’s reimagined potential. Retailers, in turn, steer clients looking to part with furnishings TLV’s way. “The idea is that it’s a win-win for everybody,” says Patricia.
The Local Vault