photography by Elizabeth Lavin
This place would make any hoarder feel welcome. Row after cluttered row of candy-colored Chinese designer-knockoff bags and jewelry fill the store and lure women in like kids in a candy store. (The shop can pack in an amazing 7,000 shoppers on Saturdays.) Once your eyes have adjusted to the merchandise in the center of the room, take in the merchandise hanging on every inch of wall space. Find dangly earrings with bright rhinestones, sequined clutches, faux leather purses in every color, chunky cuff bracelets, printed ties, wigs, and hats. The wholesale trade store was so successful, it added a luggage store and a golf store. And it’s so popular that it’s not unusual to spot a bus tour in the parking lot — or a U-Haul, for that matter.