MARBLEHEAD — Kathleen Doyle, owner of the beloved women’s resale boutique Sistas, has officially opened Brothas Consignment, a men-focused counterpart located on Washington Street. The shop quietly opened its doors just a few weeks ago and already feels like an instant neighborhood favorite.
Doyle launched Sistas in June 2022.
“I love retail, and I love shopping, and most women do,” Doyle laughed. “But what do you do with everything when you want more, need space, or can’t wear the same dress to an event again? That’s where consignment comes in.”
Sisters quickly became known for its “slow fashion” philosophy: high-quality, well-made brands that last beyond a single season. Think J. Crew, Banana Republic, and elevated designer labels, never fast-fashion retailers.
But as Doyle watched men trickle into Sistas, usually accompanying partners, and as consignors kept asking for a place to bring men’s clothing, the idea for Brothas was born.
Opening Brothas wasn’t as leisurely as Doyle’s earlier ventures.
“With other stores, I had all the time in the world,” she said. “This time, I was juggling more. But it actually worked out pretty well. Everyone was excited.”
Stocking the store came easily. Many existing consignors at Sistas had husbands, sons, partners, or grown children ready to clean out their closets. Others simply saw the sign in the window or a Facebook post and brought items in.
The result is a carefully curated men’s space featuring Bonobos, Lululemon, Tommy Bahama, Levi’s, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and more.
“I’m still learning some men’s brands,” Doyle admitted. “But we look up everything that comes in. If it’s not at a certain price point or quality level, we pass, just like we do at Sisters.”
One standout piece? A pristine, unused vintage Burberry trench coat, roughly 20 years old and never worn.
“It’s mint condition,” Doyle said. “It’s definitely one of my favorites.”
It is currently on the rack for just over $400.
Beyond the racks, Brothas has its own personality. Doyle has begun decorating the shop with a growing collection of vintage lunchboxes, Star Wars included. The idea came from a friend, and Doyle’s sister, who’s also into vintage, helped her get the collection started this fall.
“It’s a fun, ‘manly’ way to decorate the space,” Doyle said. “Records were another idea, but the lunchboxes just stuck.”
Lighting updates are on the way, and Doyle credits a friend, an interior decorator, for giving her creative guidance on how to make the compact shop work: “She said, ‘Why don’t you slant the racks?’ I never would’ve thought of that. It made a huge difference.”
One of Doyle’s main motivations for opening Brothas was to give local men a place of their own.
“So many men came into Sistas with their wives or friends, and I only had a couch and two chairs for them,” she said. “Now, if they have time, they can come shop here while the women shop there. Everyone gets something.”
Customers can bring in clothing during shop hours, fill out a quick contract if they’re new, and Doyle reviews the items before they go on the floor.
Currently, both stores are in a brief intake pause until more inventory moves, but drop-offs are welcome with the understanding that it may take a couple of weeks for items to appear on racks.
Doyle has found the community remarkably friendly and supportive. Former neighbors, friends, and regulars frequently stop by, creating the kind of neighborhood energy that brings small shops to life.
“I just want everyone to know we’re here,” she said. “Now men finally have a place to shop too.”
