A female founder and a mother herself, Wendy Serrino is also the President of North Shore Exchange (NSE). Wendy offers her tips for picking out the perfect gift for Mother’s Day while giving back to charities in need.
NSE specializes in luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, and YSL, plus contemporary brands like Rag & Bone, Tory Burch, Theory, Vince, and more.
North Shore Exchange has given away $3.2 million to more than 50 charities in 10 years. NSE is Chicagoland’s only nonprofit luxury designer consignment boutique located on the Magnificent Mile and has two other stores in Wilmette and Glencoe, as well as a website. It’s the best-kept secret for out-of-town shoppers.
In 2023, the Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce awarded Wendy Serrino its Business Leader of the Year Award.
1. Which types of Mother’s Day gifts are most popular?
We’ve found that moms love getting something pretty, such as jewelry, handbags, decorative objects for the home, or artwork. North Shore Exchange offers thousands of items to choose from in our three boutiques in Wilmette, Glencoe, and Chicago that every mom would love. A curated selection is also available online if you’re out of town.
2. Please share a few stories of exciting gifts that were purchased for Mother’s Day.
Last year, a woman purchased a Harry Winston diamond ring for her mom. She felt good about the purchase, as when you shop with North Shore Exchange, 100% of the profits help fund charities. We’ve also helped shoppers secure a Cartier Love bracelet, lots of fine jewelry, and Chanel handbags. Plus we ship jewelry, watches, and handbags nationwide.
3. Which current brands never go out of style?
Smart investments could be in Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Valentino, Rag & Bone, or The Row, just to name a few. We’ve recently received a lot of Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co., and Dior.
4. What gifts do you recommend for Mother’s Day?
You can’t go wrong with fashion accessories, jewelry, picture frames, candlestick holders, or a pretty vase. NSE features the very best in guaranteed authentic luxury and contemporary women’s designer fashion, men’s designer accessories, and a curated collection of upscale furniture and home décor where every purchase gives back.
5. What gifts are available at different price points?
We have gift items at every price point from $45 up to $10,000. North Shore Exchange has gifts for every budget. Every consignment, donation, and purchase supports charities serving Chicagoland children and families in need.
6. What do you ship out of town? What can you buy locally?
We can ship any fashion item out of town, including jewelry and handbags. Home decor and furniture items are for local pickup only, because they are often large or breakable.
7. How can shopping for Mother’s Day gifts with NSE help local charities?
All purchases are a win for the charities that NSE donates to because 100% of its profits go to Chicagoland Charities serving the poor. Plus, you help the Earth when you buy recycled luxury goods and keep them out of landfills.
8. How can people support your cause?
They can consign, shop, or donate with us. All are great ways to support and participate in our mission. Donations can be cash or items we can sell. Many times it is more financially advantageous for someone to donate an item to us and take a tax credit instead of consigning.
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