New boutique in Rochester features designer handbags, accessories. What you can find there
Like many people, Troy Bennett and Krista Hanny of Rochester spent the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic decluttering their home.
The couple started discarding some of their many unneeded and unsustainable items, which ultimately led to opening a resale shop featuring luxury accessories in Rochester's South Wedge in August.
The 650-square-foot store, FOMO at 650 South Ave., is filled with pre-owned designer items such as handbags, hats, scarves, wallets and sunglasses. The store is filled with products from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Burberry. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity after it is verified by a third party.
Prices are competitive and vary. For example, you'll fine a $40 necktie alongside a $1,400 handbag. The store, like the pair's North Winton Village home, is furnished with vintage and upcycled items.
While purging so many unneeded items in the last year, Hanny reflected that "it was a gross and frustrating feeling."
"So much time, money, and energy was wasted on throwaway items, not to mention the environmental impact," she said. "We said never again to fast fashion and we vowed to live by the old saying 'quality over quantity' and since then life has never been better. Now we only buy high quality items, so we own much less but we feel much richer."
The couple, glassblowers by trade, had started reselling quality, vintage furniture just before the pandemic started. For years, they sold their glass wares at art shows and festivals, including the popular Park Avenue, Corn Hill and Clothesline festivals in Rochester.
The pair, originally from Jamestown, has known one another for decades. They moved to Rochester 14 years ago after falling in love with the Flower City while on the festival circuit.
While on vacation earlier this year, the pair had what Bennett described as "an a-ha moment." Together, they came across a shop with a similar concept and the idea to sell sustainable designer accessories for affordable prices was born, Bennett said.
Most of the items in FOMO come from the New York City area, many of which are purchased through estate sales, Bennett said. Bennett and Hanny will purchase locally at times, "but we're picky and competitive with prices," he said.
Each month, the duo donates 5% of store profits to a local charity.
The store is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. You can also shop privately, by appointment.
Contact Victoria Freile at vfreile@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @vfreile and Instagram @vfreile. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New boutique FOMO offers designer handbags, accessories in Rochester NY
