Published in print and online
By Jennifer Corr
On Thursday, July 25, The Retreat Boutique in Bridgehampton Commons was packed with those looking to shop, chat and guess what was “faux vs. real.”“Faux Real” is a game hosted by Graham Wetzbarger, the chief authenticator at the RealReal, an online and brick-and-mortar luxury consignment market. The event was a collaboration between the RealReal and The Retreat Boutique, a thrift store that raises funds and provides clothes and housewares for The Retreat, an organization that supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, along with their families.
“So a game we like to play is called ‘Faux Real,’ where we bring a selection of luxury products and see if you can spot the difference between the luxury products and the counterfeit,” Mr. Wetzbarger said.
Just for playing, attendees received an entry to win a $200 shopping spree and a coupon for $100 off a $250 purchase at the RealReal.
“The more you know how the real things should look, the easier it is to differentiate from something that’s counterfeit,” Mr. Wetzbarger said. “Really, with authentication, we’re looking at four main components: materials, construction, hardware and brand-specific details, like serial numbers and date codes.”
“I was happy to see that people were shopping, that there was a good turnout for that, and I think there was revenue generated into the store,” said Kari Romeo, the RealReal’s luxury manager for the Suffolk County region. “I also think we were able to open up brand recognition for the RealReal. So I think it was a win-win all around.”
The Retreat is also now part of The RealReal’s affiliate program: Anyone consigning their items with the RealReal as an affiliate of The Retreat will not only get paid but bring a donation from RealReal to The Retreat. “So you’re getting paid, and The Retreat is getting paid for a watch you’re not wearing, a pair of earrings someone gave you that you just don’t want, or those shoes that were so uncomfortable—or what have you,” Mr. Wetzbarger said.
“It’s a great [event] because with [the RealReal’s] recognition, we get some recognition,” explained the executive director of The Retreat, Loretta Davis. “Often, people come in and they’re dropping clothes off. Then they see something in there that they actually want and then they become customers. And some of the customers become volunteers and some of the volunteers become donors.”
Many of the event attendees became shoppers that night, walking out with a shopping bag holding a find, or a few. People even wanted to buy the merchandise that would be used in the “Real vs. Faux” game, leading Ms. Keegan to have to cover the merchandise up with a blanket. The items would be unveiled once again at the start of the game.
Ms. Keegan explained that not only does the store provide funds for The Retreat, it provides needs for the victims of violence.
“All of our retreat services are free,” Mr. Keegan said. “This store generates a huge amount of money … to help pay for those services. But, secondly … many of our clients literally flee their homes with the shirts on their back, and with their kids with the shirts on their backs. So they can come here and they can shop with their store credit card and take what they need. So they can go back and resume their lives.”
Ms. Keegan said that the event “was a huge success,” with a line at the register throughout the whole event and attendees stepping inside the store for the first time.
The Retreat Boutique is located in Bridgehampton Commons at 2044 Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton. The store accepts donations of furniture, men’s and women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, children’s clothing and housewares.
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