STORE AROUND THE CORNER: Fifi's Fine Resale Apparel and Home Interior

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Judith Williams is always on the lookout for a great bargain.

The Lakewood Ranch resident loves the thrill that comes from finding unique treasures tucked away in consignment shops or at estate sales and auction.

But for Williams, shopping is more than just a hobby — it’s a passion.

“I love to shop,” Williams said. “I love the hunt, not only for the bargain but for the unique … I just love it.”

Now, Williams it turning her passion for bargain hunting into her newest business venture as the owner of Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel and Home Interior. Fifi’s, located at 8322 Market St. in Lakewood Ranch, will hold its grand opening April 15.

Fifi’s is a high-end consignment shop that offers both men’s and women’s fashions, as well as shoes, accessories, handbags and home interiors, such as lamps, end tables, crystal and china, among other items.

“Anything unique or different — that’s what we’re looking for,” Williams said. “In this economy people are looking for bargains. They like the higher quality (merchandise), but they either one can’t afford or two don’t want to pay for it.

“There are also those people who have the higher-end merchandise and don’t want to give it away because they know what it’s worth,” Williams said. “We’re hoping to hit both spectrums here.”

Fifi’s offers both day and eveningwear for both men and women. Men’s fashions range from Tommy Bahama beachwear to Armani suits while the women’s fashions range from Ann Taylor, Talbots and Chico’s on the lower end to high-end apparel and accessories such as Jimmy Choo, Prada and Berdorf Goodman, among numerous others.

“We’re going high-end with the menswear to try and appeal to the (professional) working class in the area,” Williams said. “I want everyone to know that this is a little higher-end then your typical consignment shop.”

Williams didn’t initially set out to open her own consignment shop, but a little more than two months ago she met Fifi Queen — the original founder of Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel. The two struck up a conversation, and Williams mentioned the need for a high-end consignment shop in the East County.

Queen asked Williams about opening a franchise and the more Williams thought about it the more the idea struck her.

Now Williams, known as Little Fifi, is hoping to bring high quality fashions and interiors at discount prices to East County residents. Williams’ franchise is the 18^th Fifi’s store and the first store to open as an original franchise.

“I live in Lakewood Ranch and there’s nothing like this in this area,” Williams said. “We have nothing like that here. People don’t want to pay for those (higher end) items anymore. It’s all about finding bargains and hunting for the unique.

“I thought this was something the community was missing,” Williams said. “North America Properties embraced the idea of us coming here. I don’t know yet how the community will embrace this, but everyone that we’ve talked to has said ‘Lakewood Ranch has needed this.’”

Those interested in selling merchandise to Fifi’s can do so seven days a week without an appointment. There also isn’t a limit on the amount of merchandise one can bring in.

Once the store has gone through each item, those items selected for resale will be priced at fair market value while the remaining items will be sent back with the owner.

“I think people will be very surprised when they walk in because this isn’t your typical consignment shop,” Williams said.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

BASICS
Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel and Home Interior
Owner: Judith Williams
Address: 8322 Market St., Lakewood Ranch
Phone: 907-8900 or 685-0434
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday
Employees: nine
What makes the business unique: “We have designer labels and our shop is more of a boutique shop,” owner Judith Williams said. “I think people will be very surprised when they walk in because this isn’t your typical consignment shop.”