But, she said, she realized how much the Bayside store had become a part of her life during the…
By Sophia Chang
When Karen Serin’s store was hit with a devastating fire in January, she thought about not reopening Top Drawer, a lifestyle and gift shop at 39-36 Bell Blvd.
But, she said, she realized how much the Bayside store had become a part of her life during the 2 1/2 months it took to renovate the store before reopening on April 1.
“I got to see what it was like to not be here,” Serin said. “While I sat at home contemplating what to do with the rest of my life, I realized how much I loved it.”
On Jan. 21, an electrical fire laid waste to much of the store and all of its goods, including delicate necklaces, antique trunks and designer purses.
“The entire store was destroyed,” including the facade, she said. “We had to paint everything, put wallpaper up.” In addition to losing all the merchandise on display in the store, the inventory that was in the basement was also destroyed.
But at least the antique wooden display cases in the store were spared, she said, although she had to put new wallpaper in the insides of the cases.
In order to reopen on April 1, the anniversary of the store’s grand opening in 1980, Serin, who lives in Douglaston, said she kept a close eye on the renovations.
“I pushed,” she said. “I was here everyday, watching everything.”
When the store first opened, it was located around the corner on 41st Avenue and sold vintage clothing. As the store’s focus slowly changed to its current stock of higher-end gifts, jewelry and home furnishings, Serin moved the store to its current location in 1993. Her loyal customers have visited and shopped since the store reopened.
“A lot of customers have come in and given us lots of warm wishes,” she said. “I love helping people find something to take home and to cherish.”
Business has been good, she said, with many customers seeking several hot items that are hard to find elsewhere.
“We’re carrying Brighton pocketbooks, and Vera Bradley pocketbooks,” Serin said. “We get a lot of referrals from the Internet because both retailers don’t sell to consumers, so they refer people here.” She added that she was shipping a Brighton purse to a customer in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Top Drawer also sells a good deal of bridal jewelry. “People are getting married all year-round now, but it’s really hopping and bopping this summer,” Serin said.
Her daughter, Melanie, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, works at the store part time and her mother considers her “my own fashion consultant,” with Melanie often giving Serin advice on what’s in style. For instance, Melanie has forecast that vintage pins and brooches will be in vogue this year, and Serin plans to showcase the store’s selection of pins for the holiday season.
“She’s up on fashion. She knows what’s cool,” Serin said. “I pay for her education. It would be silly not to listen to her.”
Reach reporter Sophia Chang by e-mail at news@timesledger.com, or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
