You might determine it to be a case of "Location! Location! Location!" Or, it could be the positive effect of family. Or, maybe it is the perfect result of perseverance and personality. In any case, Sandy Bond has found the winning combination for The 3 Sisters Consignment Boutique at Brother's North Plaza in Hampton.

"Yes, I am the sole owner," said Sandy Bond, "but family is very big in my life. That is why I wanted to include at least the spirit of my sisters Cindy and Kathy in the store's name. Interestingly, my mother and grandmother are both one of three sisters. Further, I have triplet granddaughters. How's that for a feminine influence in the family?"

"I'm originally from Tewksbury, Massachusetts, and I later moved to Derry, New Hampshire. I was a real estate agent for a quarter century, but when the market turned south, I found work in a Chico's Boutique. On more than one occasion, women would tell me that they had wonderful clothes that they didn't want to store or give away. I would tell them that they should look into placing those items in a consignment store. The more I thought of my advice, the more I thought this should be the direction I should pursue. So, I did."

"I started doing research and began searching for a prime location for a shop of my own. I had definite criteria in mind. My shop had to have ample parking, a solid anchor store, and an area filled with friendly people. Amazingly, it just happened to be the same town where my son, J.B., daughter-in-law, Cally, and 8-year old granddaughters: Madison, Alexandra, and Isabella, call home. . . Hampton. Now, the area is home to me, and I couldn't be happier."

"I'm a definite fashionista," said friend and avid shopper, JoAnn Brooks, Director of Physical Therapy at Portsmouth Hospital. "And, Sandy has it all here. I am the best dressed person at work, and I tell everyone I shop in only one place. Here! It's the best of all worlds for folks who want to save money and have the best in style. Sandy has an amazing knack for making her customers feel welcome and comfortable."

"I guess the word is getting out," Sandy chuckled. "My regular customers come from the coast to Manchester, and from Maine to Boston. I've been here for two years, and folks are bringing their friends, and they're bringing their husbands and their dogs. It's really a community effort when doors are open. Everyone helps everyone. It's terrific!"

"If the customers are label-conscious, I have some very recognizable brands in stock. I have Valentino, Kate Spader, J. McLaughlin, Versace, and Chico's Talberts to name a few. My customers are always on my mind. I remember their sizes and styles. When items come in that I know they will enjoy, I call them. It's a win-win situation for everyone. I like to think of the clothes I sell here as 'then, now, and again'."

"I've been a botiquera for 40 years," said local DJ, Pam Valli, and 3 Sisters is the best ever! Sandy is a class act, and her store reflects her efforts. It's simply the best. I bring my dog, Suede, with me, and he feels right at home here."

"I just don't have women's clothes here," Sandy said proudly. "I like to tell my customers 'Dress yourself; dress your home.' I have accessories for the home, artwork, household items, antiques, and more. Much of the artwork is from local artists, because I believe it is important to support their efforts."

Sandy and her dedicated assistant, Mary St. Gelais, make sure that all the clothing that comes into the store is cleaned and pressed. For those items that do not find a second owner, the women seek out community organizations that provide clothing to those who might not be able to afford them at no charge. In addition, Sandy and Mary work with local charitable organizations to put on fashion shows."

"All things considered, I'm very busy," said Sandy, "but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the town and the people. Everyone is concerned as to how I am doing. I tell them, 'Honey, I'm right here; I'm doing just fine, and I plan to be here for a long time to come.