5 minute read
Dragon & Phoenix
A Passion for Designer Consignment Fashion
Calling all fashionistas! Are you aware there is a store in Dunbar where you can purchase designer clothing in like-new condition for a third of the original retail price while avoiding the environmental cost of fast fashion?
For the last 30 years, Dragon & Phoenix Designer Consignments has been in the business of dressing young women to seniors in savvy and stylish clothing and accessories.
Customers are attracted to how far their money goes when they shop consignment. They also feel the intrinsic reward of doing their part to reduce their environmental footprint. All customers are drawn to the impressive selection of quality designer labels in mint condition.
Dragon & Phoenix carries Aritzia labels in addition to All Saints, Burberry, Coach, D&G, Eileen Fisher, Equipment, Etro, Helmut Lang, Isabel Marant, Joie, Luisa Cerano, Max Mara, Nili Lotan, Prada, Rag & Bone, Theory, Tory Burch, Ulla Johnson, Vince, and Xirena.
Owner Audrey Hubbard and managing partner Faidra Berda share the same philosophy about the business; they also happen to be mother and daughter. In 1992, Audrey bought the business from her former employer who she worked with for many years.
“Mom always had an eye for fashion; she’s had a love for consignment since I was a toddler,” says Faidra.
Audrey explains, “I have always had a passion for fashion, jewellery, and collectibles. I’ve been blessed the past 35 years to have a career that encompasses so many of my interests; but what I love most are our amazing customers, consignees, and co-workers.”
The business was previously located in Kerrisdale for 12 years and then moved to its current location on West 41st Avenue near Dunbar Street.
Faidra comments, “I think it was a very good call on Mom’s part to keep the new location close to our Kerrisdale client base. The Dunbar store is also much more modern.”
“Our customers know we are always going to be honest with them and try our best to get them into just the right pieces. A happy customer is a returning customer. For my mom and me, it is definitely not about just making the sale; it’s always about building authentic relationships with our consignees and customers. I believe the sales come naturally once you’ve built the relationships,” remarks Faidra.
At Dragon & Phoenix, you will find shoes, sleepwear, athletic wear, work, and casual clothes, formal wear and suits, hats, belts, scarves, purses, jewellery, bras, wallets, sunglasses, and some newborn and toddler clothing. In addition, the shop carries some small household items and used books, with proceeds going to Aunt Leah’s Place, which helps prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless and mothers in need from losing custody of their children.
Customers love the selection of clothing that is neatly organized into small, medium, and large sections (the store carries up to size 16). Some of their youngest clients are teens who come in to explore the section of the store dedicated to Aritzia.
To consign with Dragon & Phoenix, simply bring in fifteen or more (Banana Republic price point or higher) clean, seasonal, in like-new condition pieces purchased within the last two years. Consignees can bring in their items Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you can’t make it in person, drop off your folded and bagged items any time during store hours and they will be priced and sold based on Audrey and Faidra’s expertise; they will send any unsuitable items to charity. They discount pieces first monthly, then seasonally, and send anything that does not sell to charity at the end of the season unless the consignee collects them. Once items sell, the consignee receives 40 per cent of the selling price in-person by cheque, or earnings may be used for in-store purchases.
The nine-member Dragon & Phoenix team purchase virtually all of their clothes at the shop. Faidra has been shopping at the store for all of her clothing for the ten years she has been involved as managing partner. Their customers are 100 per cent committed to this globally-minded mode of shopping, and purchase almost all their fashion needs at what many say is “their favourite consignment shop in the city.”
Some customers have been known to happily browse for three hours in the inviting environment that has been thoughtfully designed. A fresh and light lemongrass scent fills the air, plenty of plants add to the relaxing atmosphere and the store’s well-chosen music playlist receives many compliments. Every customer is offered a choice of two beverages (cucumber water and iced tea), with COVID safety protocols being closely adhered to.
She adds, “The diversity of my work is what makes me excited. The store is always changing and evolving, as we try out new ideas and innovations to give our customers and consignees the best possible shopping experience. I absolutely love every aspect of my work, but the best part is sharing this time and experience with my mother.” If unique items are your cup of tea, if you are looking for designer labels while saving money, or if you are looking for ways to care for Mother Earth and stop fuelling the fast fashion industry, pay a visit to Dragon & Phoenix. You may find, like many devoted customers, it becomes your one-stop fashion shop!
Dragon & Phoenix Designer Consignments 3510 W 41st Avenue Vancouver BC, V6N 3E6 Telephone 604-261-1317
www.dragonandphoenix.ca
