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New & Almost New offers a great selection of affordable fashions
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From jackets, jeans, and jewelry to posh purses and piqué, Maggie Poon's consignment shop -- New & Almost New -- offers even the most seasoned shopper an exciting collection of new and vintage fashions at affordable prices.
Tucked into the narrow streets of Little Italy, the Elizabeth Street shop is often inconspicuous to passersby, but those who are privy to its contents stop in frequently to peruse the "new" items hanging on its sales racks.
A one-woman operation, New & Almost New features higher-end, vintage -- or "slightly used" -- women's fashion at affordable prices, as well as new and cutting-edge fashions specially created for the store by area designers, many of whom live downtown.
"I like being downtown for the multiculturalism. It makes everything more interesting -- and very educational too!" says a cheerful Poon, who can often be found at her store's counter chatting with customers or flipping through the pages of Women's Wear Daily.
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| Maggie Poon hand picks each of the items on display in her store |
When not at the store, Poon spends a lot of her time on the hunt for new items to add to her shop's eclectic collection. Tapping area resources -- often the closets of models (which may account for some items' smaller sizes) and designers -- Poon's inventory displays her knack for bargain shopping, as well as her keen eye and love for fashion.
Her stock includes both casual and formal pieces. Designer dresses, scarves, jackets, and skirts, among other items, quickly rotate through the racks. The store also stocks an assortment of fashions made of cashmere, leather, and tweed to satisfy the cooler seasons' demands, as well as a diverse selection of shoes, handbags, and jewelry.
Also for sale at New & Almost New are more informal items, such as signature t-shirts created by area designers and an array of jeans with popular labels like 7 For All Mankind, Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, and Paper Denim & Cloth -- some of which have been spotted at prices starting as low as $25.
Make no mistake though. The store isn't "trendy," Poon stresses. She prides herself on having an inventory filled with items that are functional and classy, yet stylish and most importantly, affordable.
Quality is also one of the stores' top priorities. Poon hand selects each item to ensure that it meets her strict quality policy. Every item comes with a guarantee, which is part of the reason New & Almost New's clientele has remained loyal for more than a decade despite the store's change of location.
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New & Almost New's inventory constantly changes
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Just this past year, Poon packed up her store and moved from its original Soho location to its current spot at 166 Elizabeth Street. "It's a great area with a very relaxed, almost European feel," said Poon of the store's new downtown home. Much to her surprise -- and joy -- many of Poon's patrons followed her to Little Italy, pleased that she continues to provide the same quality merchandise.
New & Almost New fulfills a life-long passion for Poon, who originally studied nursing before enrolling at New York City's Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she obtained a merchants degree. "It's my passion - it's what I love to do!" exclaims Poon, who purchased the store -- including its name -- from its previous owner.
"I'm so proud of myself for opening my business downtown!" Her dedication and enthusiasm for the store, and shopping, is evident. Poon even finds time to do some personal shopping for her best clientele on the side.
New & Almost New offers a great selection to shoppers with a love for fashion and an eye for a bargain. Sales can be spotted daily at the store just by checking the hand-written prices listed on each item's tags. As a result, turnover is quick at Poon's boutique, and shoppers are guaranteed to find fresh items on the sales floor every visit.
New & Almost New is located 166 Elizabeth Street between Spring and Kenmore Streets and is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call (212) 226-6677.
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