NEW ROCHELLE, NY — I.B. Cohen-the menswear “institution” located at 525 Main Street, in Downtown New Rochelle, NY- holds the distinction of being one of the oldest businesses in New York State to be owned and operated by a single family. Israel Benjamin Cohen, an immigrant from Lithuania, established his first clothing store in Mamaroneck in 1890. One hundred and twenty five years later, the Cohens continue to carry on the family tradition in retail, only this year, Westchester residents are experiencing something new-a “reinvented” family business-Cohens Consignment.
How much is that Harley Davidson motorcycle?
Are those Mickey Mouse collectibles on the shelf?
What size is the Hickey Freeman sports jacket?
Cohens Consignment offers brand new old stock men’s clothing from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and a smorgasbord of unique resale items. You’ll find porcelain and glass from past eras, house wares, a collection of Asian antiques (including exquisite textiles), paintings and sculptures, a toy collection, and, a constantly refreshed assortment of slightly worn vintage clothes, handbags, and jewelry of all kinds. An accomplished dress designer will create your custom-made wedding gown or anything else you can imagine!
To officially launch Cohens Consignment, an “invite only” grand opening reception will be held on Wednesday, October 14th, from 4pm to 7pm. A short program will include a ribbon cutting, followed by a Proclamation presentation, a discussion of trends in the resale industry, and, updates on the revitalization of the Downtown area. An awe-inspiring collection of memorabilia will also be showcased. Invited guests include members of New Rochelle’s business, educational, political, and religious communities, and leaders from the surrounding towns.
Lewis Cohen (grandson of the original owner) is president of Cohens Consignment. Maryce Cohen, his wife, manages the day-to-day operations with their son, Richard Cohen, the proprietor, and the fourth generation Cohen to run the family business. He is also the “brainchild” behind the store’s transformation. “We want to have something for everyone and almost every occasion,” Richard Cohen said. “We hope to attract shoppers who are economically and culturally diverse; modern and savvy, young and old, and trendy and traditional…people looking for treasures, slightly used, or new.”
Explaining the consignment process, he added,” We encourage shoppers to bring in items for evaluation and pricing. When the items are sold, they’ll receive a percentage of the resale price,” he said Resale/consignment is one of the fastest growing segments of retail, according to the National Association of Resale Professionals (NARTS); statistics also show that resale is a $16-billion industry with 25,000 shops across the U.S.
“We opened our first store in New Rochelle in 1900,” said Lewis Cohen. “Over the years, we became the ‘store of choice’ for so many Westchester residents,” noting that Lou Gehrig and Norman Rockwell were frequent shoppers. I see Cohens Consignment as a continuation of our past success and a new opportunity to give clients what they need and want,” he said.
Cohen’s wife, Maryce (whose friendly “hello” greets visitors as they open the door to the art-deco building) had this to say: “While our name and focus have changed, our commitment to customer service remains the same. We want the shopping experience to be positive for everyone!” Future updates on the interior space (air conditioning and a “hot spot”/coffee shop) and activities that engage customers (‘trunk” shows and charity events) will make Cohens Consignment a “fun and exciting place to shop,” she said.
Cohens Consignment is open Monday-Saturday 11am – 6pm, and on Sunday, 12pm-4pm. Vendor rental space is available on a monthly open basis. Here’s a sampling of specialty dealers at Cohens Consignment:
Contact Maryce Cohen (914) 632-7100 or Richard Cohen (914) 826-6200 for more information.
Specialty Vendors
GREAT STUFF by ALY – Old & new, just for you! Jewelry, Art, Vintage clothing, scarves and ties, Lamps, Furniture, Art Glass, Collectibles, and more.
ALEX stocks an eclectic collection of vintage toys, Disneyana, comic character collectibles, vintage children’s books, and other unique items. He will soon be offering rare books, photographs, post cards, ad premiums and other ephemera as well.
CYNTHIA and KAREN sells antique and vintage jewelry that includes fine jewelry, evening bags and “just dear things” Fine “mourning” hair jewelry, portraitures and mementos can be viewed with advanced notice.
MORRIS ‘MO’ has over 20 years experience selling collectibles, figural sculptures, bronzes, Depression glass, porcelain, coins mid-century jewelry and sterling.
THE WU BU TI COLLECTION OF ASIAN ANTIQUES Madam Wu Bu Ti affectionately called “Birdie” Wu was a prominent collector and dealer in Singapore in the last century. She travelled extensively throughout Asia to search for treasures for the collection, many of which have ended up in Singapore Museums. The full collection can be viewed by appointment.
MISS SALLY OF LARCHMONT is making her treasures available to those who, like her, appreciate the fine workmanship and unfettered creativity of vintage wares. Fabulous dresses, separates, scarves, shoes, house wares, art, jewels and bags from the 1920’s to the 1970’s Those bright yellow Fiesta ware pitchers? A fish-shaped candy bowl? A well-placed vintage ashtray or a pink, red and light blue Pucci or Vera scarf draped over a chair can turn an ordinary house into a happy home of the highest style and caliber, welcoming, satisfying and full of charm.