Al Levy, co-owner of New & Again consignment furniture gallery, poses for a portrait in his store on Friday afternoon. (Whitney Ramirez/News-Sentinel)

Find antique and new furniture at New and Again

Business: New and Again Consignment Furniture Gallery

Owners: Al and Pamela Levy and David and Cecilia Halim

Vitals: 210 S. School St.

How Long: Since November

About the business: New and Again sells antiques and new furniture and collectibles for consignors including bedroom sets, dining room sets, artwork and knickknacks.

At New and Again, customers have the opportunity sell their unused furniture or search for that unique item.

Q: How did you get the idea for this business and how did it get started?

A: Al �" It's an outgrowth of a lifelong passion for collecting things. I have been interested in antiques all my life and this building was available. I thought why not make a career change.

Q: What did you do previously?

A: I've been a regional sales manager for food companies.

Q: What is the consignment process?

A: People bring in furniture that they no longer need rather than sell it for pennies at garage sales. We sell it at the store and we pay a percentage of the sales price.

Q: What types of furniture do you sell?

A: Anything from antique 1800s bedroom sets to new and contemporary sets �" anything you would find in a home, including artwork, dish sets, china buffets, armoires, corner curios and cabinets.

Q: Have you had any challenges so far?

A: The only challenge right now is getting more goods in the door. The customer response has been phenomenal. I just put all call out for more response and we will have five or six shipments in the next couple of days from consignors.

Q: What do you enjoy about the business?

A: The customer interaction �" talking and meeting people.

Q: What is your most and least expensive product?

A: We try not to go any lower than $5; that is our lower limit with street or costume jewelry, knickknacks, cookie jars, porcelain figurines and glassware. We have a cherrywood hutch at $1600, a matching table and chairs for $1600 and a freestanding bar at $1800.

Q: How long do you keep the furniture and what if it doesn't sell?

A: We keep it up to 90 days. Consignors can pick it up or we can donate it to a charity of their choice. After 35 to 40 days, we work with the consignors and put a discounted price on it.

Q: Do you offer any special events?

A: We have promotions where we offer 15 to 25 percent off items and we offer a differently themed promotion each week of the month. It provides a constant turnover of items to keep the customers happy with what they are looking for. We are having our grand opening sale on Jan. 18. We also have a wishbook for customers who can't find what they are looking for. They can put their name and phone number and then if we receive the item we phone them and let them know.

Q: What has been the most unique item someone has requested?

A: A mantel piece from a house that was built in the 50s. We haven't been able to track that down yet.

Q: What seems to be the most popular furniture?

A: Right now its a cross between the bedroom sets and the couches and love seats.

Q: Where would you like to see the business in five years?

A: Probably in a larger premises, selling more goods and in other locations and in other communities.

If you know of a local family-owned business deserving of a profile, call Pam Bauserman at 369-7035.

First published: Saturday, January 6, 2007