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'It's like a treasure hunt'
By J. M. Brown, Correspondent
Posted: 02/16/2011 01:50:45 PM PST

Cyndi Hilton isn't part of the famous family that shares her name, but she might as well be. She could easily decorate a fine hotel lobby with pieces from her eclectically elegant Orinda showroom.

For nine years, the former credit union executive has been a preeminent purveyor of secondhand home furnishings, jewelry and other items from estate sales and individual sellers throughout the East Bay.

Shoppers won't find discount store brand names among the china, rugs, hutches and crystal stemware on display at the store, at 21 Orinda Way. Rather, the store is chock full of names like Waterford and Wedgewood.

"We help people recycle good things," said Hilton, who has lived in Orinda for 30 years.

Although Hilton's goods are meant for buyers of discerning taste, her store is as much a service for sellers, some of whom have been hit by the flagging economy or left with a house full of a loved one's lifelong possessions. Hilton and her staff are often
called to lend expert advice to sellers who need to liquidate collections for quick cash.

"We end up helping a lot of people," she said.

Hilton also sees the store as a way for customers to make "green" design choices -- by seeking out lightly used, classic pieces instead of buying new, trendy items. The store's website is updated often so customers can also check out collections without
coming into the business, which is spread out over two showrooms in a village shopping complex.

Sue Breedlove, president of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce, of which Hilton is a longtime member, said the store is an economic asset for the community.

"Everyone likes to have a place to recycle things they don't want anymore," Breedlove said. "People like to know they can find things in this type of an environment. They don't want to spend a lot of money on new things, but they want a change of pace."

A former chief executive officer of First United Services credit union, Hilton also owned her own advertising firm before entering the high-tech industry. After retiring a decade ago, she quickly became bored and started looking for a new business venture.

Hilton, whose is married to physician Magdy Girgis and has two children, remembers staring at her own china cabinet and knowing she had no need  for much of what was there. What she didn't know, however, was how to depart with things that still had great value. The idea to open a high-end consignment store hit her.

Customers contract with the store sell their furniture, art, jewelry and other baubles. Hilton keeps 40 to 60 percent of the sale proceeds, depending on the item.

Furniture and tabletop items are kept for 45 days before owners are asked to pick them up. Otherwise, they are donated to groups like Children's Hospital Oakland or Hospice of Contra Costa County.

Longtime customer Nancy Kelly, a former Piedmont resident who now lives in Reno, visits Hilton House whenever she returns. A collector of Asian pottery, she is intrigued by the numerous items Hilton collects from estate sales, and said the staff understands how to determine the value of fine items.

"It's like a treasure hunt," Kelly said during a recent stroll through the store. "I don't come through the Bay Area without a stop here."

Carol Yates, an aide to county Supervisor Gayle Uilkema, pops into the shop whenever she has a moment to see what's new. "There are endless possibilities to add change to
one's life," she said. "It's fun to travel without going farther than to one exciting shop in Orinda. You can decorate yourself or your home with what you find in the rooms at Hilton House."

IF YOU GO: HILTON HOUSE CONSIGN/DESIGN & ESTATE LIQUIDATIONS
WHERE: 21 Orinda Way, Orinda
CONTACT: Call 925-254-1113 or visit www.
hiltonhousedesigns.com

Cyndi Hilton, left, owner of Hilton House in Orinda, shows a gold-and-diamond necklace to customer Carol Yates.	Hilton House specializes in handling fine china and antiques from estate sale. The Orinda Way business was founded by Cyndi Hilton, a former credit union executive and 30-year Orinda resident.

Hilton House Marks 9th Year with Celebration on Dec. 2, 2010
Business Expands With Pre-Owned Treasures at Bargain Basement Prices Helping the Planet

ORINDA, CA (November 18, 2010) - Hilton House Consign/Design & Estate Liquidations, Inc., will host its ninth annual holiday celebration on Thursday, December 2. The legendary party - open to all from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. - is also a customer appreciation event, with music, dancing, food and bar. This year will feature the firm’s new branch expansion, giving even more choices than before. As is the custom, everything will be at sale prices.

When MBA Cyndi Hilton left her high-tech executive career, her entrepreneurial thoughts turned to an untried business model. Today, her thriving enterprise has created what amounts to the town's de facto recycling center - of a very different kind - in upscale Orinda.

The trend-setting boutique across from the town's public library gives residents, often less willing to self-market items they no longer need, an easy and anonymous way to recycle their fine jewelry, sterling silver, collectibles, furniture and unique brand-named home treasures. Filled with like-new objects carrying respected brand names that sold new for top dollar, the store represents a treasure hunt of bargains for perceptive clients, and a way for previous owners to cash in. Shoppers find a wide array of items at bargain prices. New items like gifts, hand-made rugs and teak furniture complete the mix.

"Of course, a giant side benefit of all this is helping our planet by recycling," emphasizes founder Hilton. "Every time a beautiful piece finds its second life in a new home, that saves resources, energy and space in a landfill."

A patron added, "There is no reason to buy new. I find the best stuff, help the planet, save money, and get some back by letting Hilton House resell items I no longer need in my home. It's the best circle of green that exists."

Hilton House emphasizes high-quality retailing and service, making shopping a fun adventure. Customers enjoy easy parking, cookies, great music, free gift wrapping and attentive service, while its web site and email list informs readers of upcoming bargains and events. The store is located at 21 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563. Phone 925-254-1113. Store hours are Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Web Site: www.hiltonhousedesigns.com.

Hilton House Enters 7th Year of Affluent Recycling, Wins 2008 Best of Orinda Award
Pre-Owned Treasures at Bargain Basement Prices Help the Planet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hilton House Enters 6^th Year of Affluent Recycling
Pre-Owned Treasures at Bargain Basement Prices Help the Planet

Orinda, California (August 25, 2008) – When MBA Cyndi Hilton left her high-tech executive career in 2003, her entrepreneurial thoughts turned to another futuristic business model never tried. Today, her thriving enterprise has created what amounts to the town’s de facto recycling center – but one of a totally different kind - in an upscale California community, Orinda, where median home prices top $1.25 million.

Giving wealthy area residents often less willing to self-market items they no longer need an easy and anonymous way to recycle their home treasures, Hilton House Consign & Design is a trend-setting retail boutique located on the town’s thoroughfare across from the public library. Filled with like-new objects carrying respected brand names that sold new for top dollar, the store represents a treasure hunt of bargains for savvy clients, and a way for the goods’ previous owners to cash in. A wide array of items at bargain price levels is offered, from major collectibles to unusual gifts and fine jewelry. New items like hand-made rugs and teak furniture complete the mix. Recently offered at $11,500 (half its market rate) was an antique French Country Sideboard, now residing in its new home.

“Of course, a giant side benefit of all this is helping our planet by recycling,” emphasizes founder Hilton. “Every time a beautiful piece finds its second life in a new home, that saves resources, energy and space in a landfill. Our customers are much more aware of this now, with the Green movement flourishing.”

A patron summed it up saying, “There is no reason to buy new. I find the best stuff, help the planet, save money, and get some back by letting Hilton House resell items I no longer need in my home, things others crave. It’s the best circle of green that exists.”

Hilton House emphasizes the basics of high-quality retailing and service, making the shopping experience a fun adventure. Customers are treated to easy parking, cookies, great music and attentive treatment from the Hilton House customer appreciation team, while its web site and large email list informs readers of upcoming bargains and events such as the firm’s customer appreciation days featuring live music, free food and refreshments.

Hilton, having perfected her unique business model, now has aspirations of taking it to other upscale communities, perhaps through arrangements offering the secret ingredients of her success.   

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About Hilton House Consign & Design
Founded in 2003, the store is located at 21 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563. Phone 925-254-1113.
Store hours are Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Web Site: www.HiltonHouseDesigns.com