Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Hajjar.
Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up in the men’s retail business that my grandparents started in the 50’s, clothing always came naturally to me. I liked to point out the different qualities in the stitching, “hand” and composition of a garment. I learned much of what I know from the various managers and salespeople we had working for us during my adolescence. I would work in the store all summer from age 11-17 until I went off to college.
After graduating business school in 2008, I quickly realized working for someone else did not appeal to me. It didn’t help that the fall of 2008 was the worst season ever to graduate with a finance degree as millions of people in that industry were being laid off amidst the markets crashing.
At that, I returned to the family business. Soon I realized, my ideas for growth, innovation, “change,” we’re being blocked by, traditional processes, “the way it’s been done for years,” and so on. Two friends and I, girls from my graduating class, decided because one of their mothers owned a consignment shop in Maine, that we were going to open our own. Luckily my father had a vacancy in one of our buildings, a beautiful retail space on a major road in an affluent area outside of Boston.
A long story short, the three of us opened, and started accepting “high-end consignments.” Business was great, we were making money while trying to decipher who was to do what in the 3 man/women partnership. It wasn’t long until one of the gals decided it wasn’t for her. She brightly found a finance firm hiring and began her career in the corporate world. Months later, the second, and still a great friend, also felt that a partnership was harder than we had anticipated, and asked if I wanted to buy her out which I did. And now has her own flourishing business in the Metro-West, Blush Tan!
9 years later and here I am, known as the Consignment King, with more understanding of the designer women’s clothing business than I had ever intended to. I have been blessed to have the same two, unbelievable, women working for me, now essentially running the show, since the day I opened. With a total of 5 lovely ladies working the store! I have hired and fired my mother more times than I could think, but she still makes a celebrity appearance from time to time.
My expecting wife Christina, has stepped in and is helping us innovate and grow. With nearly 3,500 current consignors and countless more customers who love our honesty and hospitality, we have found success in a business where trust is paramount.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth?! Struggles? Yes, hundreds. Learning what the customer wants, while satisfying the expectations of the consignor, and making a profit. Paying the rent, and overhead all while throwing in some fun. And trying not to buy everything in my size (we take some men’s too!)
Our business is unique as we have thousands of vendors (our consignors) who are more, dare I say needy, it’s hard to part with a big ticket item and knowing selling it lower than purchase price you bought it at is difficult. Changing WHAT and HOW we have taken items over the years is also a constant exercise. This business has brought me into selling furniture, running estate sales, buying everything I could at luxury auctions, visiting dozens of people’s homes for in-home concierge service, and back again.
If you want to succeed in any business you need to grow and innovate, which by nature is a “struggle,” but fun and rewarding.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about DC Natick Consignments – what should we know?
We are honest, carrying a business for 9+ years is hard work! We make sure to provide excellent service to all. With numerous shops unfortunately going away and out of business, we stand strong in loyalty to our consignors and customers.
We attract high-end goods from Chanel to Louis Vuitton, Prada and even some amazing Hermes Birkin bags along the way! We carry contemporary clothing and accessories, everything from fur coats to Tory Burch shoes and so much more that you would not find in any boutique. We have curated a unique approach on taking in high-end items all while offering pieces that are hard to come by.
We have a great reputation for having amazing designer handbags and shoes that are always a big hit. We host a lot of parties, sip & shop events, and one of my favorites “Bitches on the Bus” who are a group of ladies who travel throughout Massachusetts hitting up the best consignment shops!
Our store is not just the brick and mortar shop, we have an interactive and always up to date website where you can buy online directly! We ship throughout the country, widening our range of shoppers and offering our services practically anywhere!
We are fun store, and our girls make it an exciting environment to style and dress you up for any event! To get the real DC experience you have to stop in and see the difference!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Our countless and amazing consignors and customers, whom without we would not be going strong for all these years.
Our founding partners Christina and Danielle.
The women of DC Emily, Carolyn, Nancy, Sandy, and Mary.
And last but not least my mother Jean and wife Christina.
Contact Info:
- Address: 42 Worcester St.
Natick MA. 01760 - Website: www.dcnatick.com
- Phone: 508-655-4478
- Email: info@dcnatick.com
- Instagram: @dcnatickfashion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DCConsignments/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dc-natick-consignments-natick
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
