Katie, whose blog is Katie Jane Online, said: “I’m 25 now so I think I’ve been saving for the past 24-and-a-half years. It’s a life goal for me. Just as my Dad wants to own an Aston Martin, I wanted this Chanel bag.”
That purchase made Katie, who works in sales and marketing at Spennymoor logistics firm Katem, Handbag Clinic Newcastle’s very first customer.
The quilted Chanel bag is one of the vintage and pre-loved designer bags which are now on sale at Handbag Clinic on Mosely Street.
Charlotte Staerck, who has just joined the firm as a full-time buyer, sources bags from Handbag Clinic customers at the company’s Kings Road, Chelsea, store as well as from across the globe.
Other bags included a £3,000 Celine and classic Louis Vuitton Speedys, starting from around £300. Also on display was a rare 1947 Hermes Kelly bag, worth somewhere in the region of £6,000.
Handbag Clinic MD Ben Staerck said: “We’ve been looking for the perfect spot to launch in Newcastle for some time now. When we found the store, it was all systems go to get our interiors, stock and staff ready.
“It’s thrilling to finally be able to open the doors. We’re so please Katie has found the bag she’s wanted for so many years and we’re expecting a huge demand in the run-up to Christmas, both from those looking for presents and those looking to sell their pre-loved bags.”
As well as stocking rare bags, Handbag Clinic also cleans and repairs designer leather accessories, as well as restoring the red soles of Christian Louboutin shoes.
From humble beginnings in Burnopfield, the company is now turning over in excess of £3m and has ambitious plans to open in major cities across the world.
Handbag Clinic is a spin-off of Furniture Clinic, which was launched in 2004 by Keith Staerck. Now run by Keith’s son Ben, the firm has undergone massive expansion over the last year, including opening in London and Newcastle. At least two more stores are due to open in 2016.
