Athleta
700 Post Rd, Scarsdale (914) 723-0961; athleta.gap.com
If pigeon and crow bring to mind yoga poses and not just annoying feathered creatures, or if hiking, cycling, and working out are your thing, take a run right over to this new women’s athletic-wear shop, and the newest brand from Gap Inc. You gotta love a label whose philosophy is, “If it’s a matter of performance over beauty, we’ll take both.” You’ll find every permutation of Lycra/nylon/spandex attire, including tops ($36-$140), bottoms ($34-$218), footwear, and accessories for running a marathon—or just running to Starbucks. And, unlike other retailers’ “you wore it, you own it” return policies, the store’s Don’t-Sweat-It Guarantee means that you can bring back anything that doesn’t stand up to your toughest workout—even if it’s soaked in, ahem, perspiration.
Consignment Kids
141 Croton Ave, Ossining (914) 923-3400
Is it any wonder that consignment shopping is one of the fastest—only?—growing segments of the retail industry? Hoping to cash in on this trend after being laid off as a corporate accountant is mom of two small children, Rose Fiorillo. Consignment Kids is devoted to gently used kids’ clothing in sizes 0 to 12 as well as footwear, equipment, bedding, toys, and books, and you’ll find lots of barely worn merchandise—some with price tags still on them. Represented are such popular brands as Ralph Lauren, Hannah Andersson, Janie and Jack, Gymboree, and Gap. And at about one-third original retail prices, most clothing is under $10. Fiorillo welcomes consignors as well as browsers. “It’s a win-win situation both for the person who is buying something and the person who no longer needs it,” she says. “Plus, it’s good for the environment.” While most items are on consignment, Fiorillo pays cash on the spot for like-new condition books and toys in original packaging. And bring the kiddies—the shop has a well-stocked children’s play area.
Italy Direct
284 Katonah Ave, Katonah (917) 500-6222
Hard to believe but, yes, there are some places and occasions for which even your best jeans just won’t work. But fine-quality men’s suiting is often so pricey. Here to fill the gap in both local men’s retailing and your closet is this new shop, whose name says it all—everything is imported directly from the land of gorgeous fabrics and superb tailoring. Yet prices are 40 to 50 percent less than for the same labels sold elsewhere. What gives? “We’ve eliminated the middle man and just sell directly to the consumer,” says owner and Pound Ridge resident Rick Fortuna, who has 30 years of experience importing apparel from Italy. “The prices are the same as if we just sold the items right out of our warehouse.” Thus, a two-piece Bresciani suit that sells in boutiques around the country for $795 is offered here for $400, and a three-piece Sartoria Tosi, normally $1,195, is available here for $600. Also check out: silk ties priced three for $100 and sports shirts three for $120.
