Gucci, Versace, Armani or Brioni stand at the top of the chain when it comes to men’s fashion, and in most cases are only available to the well-heeled man. But, in the Village of La Mesa, there lies a treasure of quality men’s clothes, at a price commendably affordable. From retro-styles that are difficult to find to his high-end suits, Peter Carzis’ extensive collection is worth the time and money to stop at Peter’s Gentlemen’s Resale Clothiers.
Gucci, Versace, Armani or Brioni stand at the top of the chain when it comes to men’s fashion, and in most cases are only available to the well-heeled man. But, in the Village of La Mesa, there lies a treasure of quality men’s clothes, at a price commendably affordable. From retro-styles that are difficult to find to his high-end suits, Peter Carzis’ extensive collection is worth the time and money to stop at Peter’s Gentlemen’s Resale Clothiers.
Carzis’ passion is watching the man walk out of his shop, with something they always wanted or were never able to afford. His sales technique, allowing the customer to browse without interruption, but ready and willing to help when asked.
Within a few short years, Carzis took a dying consignment shop to a business with clients waiting to see what he brings in next in their size. Carzis said he has one simple rule in the clothes he chooses to buy and resale—if he is not willing to wear it, he will not buy it. And his merchandise speaks for itself. Quality is top notch, much of the inventory rarely or never worn, much of it with the original sales tags and untailored.
“I have had more fun doing this than anything I have done in life. Do dress somebody up nice, for little money is just a kick in the ass,” he said. “It’s the quality of clothing here. An Armani suit is $2,700 and I sell them here for $350. You’ll find things here that you won’t find in any store. I also have a good collection of dated merchandise, which people use instead of a costume shop, and in many cases, the retro style is back. My nostalgic suits are really hard to find.”
Peter’s fell into Carzis’ ownership in the matter of days. Riding his bicycle every day, he passed the store many times, but never stopped because all he saw was junk out front. However, one day, he saw a “For sale by owner” sign in the window and within three days owned and operated his own men’s resale boutique.
Other than being a model when a younger man, all of Carzis’ experience was in the food business, but he knew he could do it. He said the first think he did was get rid of half of what was in stock.
He realized immediately that consignment was not for him and set a goal of collecting the finest in men’s wear he could find. So he began hitting high-end estate sales, and made some connections in the industry that boosted the level of his merchandise quickly.
“That’s when the light bulb went on and I realized that I wouldn’t be taking things off the streets anymore,” he said. “I realized that I wouldn’t do consignment, the books are too hard to keep track of, and I made the right decision. If it’s something unique and something nice, I buy it and I’m done with it.”
Carzis said meeting the man behind Le Chauvinist Consignment Store in La Jolla, was a game changer with a constant flow of high-end clothing.
“He had a warehouse three times the size of my store filled with quality items,” he said. “I had to stop a moment and catch my breath. We made a deal, where I could come and pick out what I wanted, because I know what I need, and we’ve had a good relationship since. Due to the fact he is in La Jolla, I wouldn’t have Gucci, Versace, Armani or Brioni if not for him. I can find them at some estate sales, but that’s all he gets.”
Another hobby turned business is turning heads with his unique designs of Pete’s Palm Pots. Carzis said this was totally by accident. His girlfriend had a beautiful palm tree in an ugly pot, so he started picking up the base of palm leaves during his daily bicycle ride and he used them to cover the pot. He has perfected the technique now and makes them in the store. He began with live palms, but quickly found that people wanted just the pot, or a pre-made arrangement. Now, you can see his creations in many Chase Banks and is now selling them to hotels.
“It’s really soothing for me to do this. It’s a hobby more than anything, but one that makes money,” he said.
Peter’s Clothiers is not a quick stop and shop store, he said.
“This is a place where you take your time and browse,” he said. “Everything is organized by sizes, but each piece of clothing is unlike another.”
Peter’s Gentlemen’s Resale Clothiers is located at 8239 La Mesa Blvd.
