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In the bag

By Mary Robbins
Point Intern

	Coastal Point • RUSLANA LAMBERT Tiffany Nacchia owns the business with her fiance, Brian Nichols.

Nacchia and her fiancé Brian Nichols, both in their late 20s, are now the new owners of Handbags Etc. in Bethany Beach and are bringing their youthful touch to the store that has thrived along Garfield Avenue for the past eight years.

The two learned the store was for sale last fall and jumped on the opportunity to take ownership.

“I just felt that this was a chance for my fiancé and I … to better ourselves and maybe have a little bit more flexibility and freedom,” Nacchia said.

Before taking ownership in October, Nacchia worked at the corporate office for Perdue Farms Inc. in Salisbury, Md., while Nichols worked at Beach Liquors on Route 1. Nichols continues to work at the liquor store during the day so he can work night shifts at Handbags Etc., which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Additionally, both attend Wilmington College during the spring and fall sessions and are pursuing general studies degrees.

“It’s very busy, … but the degrees will give us something to fall back on,” Nichols said. “Hopefully, this will all work out though.”

He said they plan on owning the store for as long as possible and may eventually expand the business.

Nacchia said that, although they will continue to carry all the same product lines as the story carried under the previous management, they have also added new brand names to appeal to younger customers. They have even added a wide variety of merchandise, including sandals, home décor and items for children.

“I think we have a good mix of everything,” Nacchia said. “But I especially hope that when people think of buying a purse, we come to mind.”

Nacchia, Nichols and Nacchia’s mother, Debbie, are currently the store’s only employees. Nacchia said business has been going well but she does not plan on hiring additional hands in the near future. As it stands, the three are enjoying their work and the prosperity of the new business.

“Every day is a good day,” Nacchia said. “It gets better each day.”

In recognition of the new management and product lines, they held a grand-opening ceremony at the store on Friday, June 17. A Web site is under construction at www.handbagsetc.org so customers can also shop online.