Kimberly Hoctor made three sales before she even opened her Coupeville store June 15.

Women saw handbags in a window display and walked right in, excitedly ignoring the signs informing customers of her opening date.

Hoctor, who’s new to Whidbey Island, opened a storefront for her Handbag Consignment Shop, which was exclusively online until now.

Hoctor’s store is located on Front Street and is open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. everyday.

“People were just so curious,” she said.

The Washington native has been operating her online consignment shop — aimed specifically at designer handbags — for almost two years.

She started the business while living in Maryland with her husband, who was in the military at the time.

Having just returned to her home state, Hoctor said she knew she wanted to open a storefront as soon as she moved to the island.

“As soon as I got here, I hit the ground running,” Hoctor said.

She continues to operate the online portion of her business and has consignors from all over the country.

But she is looking for local consignors.

Hoctor said she started the business after giving up a career in marketing.

“As a military spouse, there’s not a lot of options for career,” she said.

The business venture is also a way to satisfy her love of designer handbags.

“I’ve always loved handbags,” she said.

Her closet is full of handbags and shoes.

Her ultimate designer label — Chanel.

“My sister would always want to ‘shop’ in my closet,” Hoctor said.

When she set out on the business venture, she said she really wanted to be a niche consignment shop.

“I want to be accessible locally and nationwide,” she said.

Hoctor specialized in brand-name-only designer handbags.

She says she avoids knockoffs entirely due to issues such as child labor.

She carries bags from all different designers from popular names such as Prada, Gucci and Coach to smaller designers.

“There’s something here for everyone,” she said.

Merchandise cost ranges from $25 to $1,000.

Hoctor also plans to hold classes to help designer handbag owners properly care for their treasures.

Tips include vacuuming out bags, what cleaners to use and keeping them stuffed so they don’t crease.

She also wants to utilize a courtyard behind her shop for VIP events and other specialty events.

She said she also hopes to expand her shop into designer shoes and is also targeting celebrities to consign with her.

Hoctor said she hopes to promote business from the Seattle area into Coupeville, bringing customers to the seaside town.

“I really want to grow and be an integral part of the community,” she said.

For more information, visit www.

handbagconsignmentshop.com.