Penny-pinching luxury shoppers are coming out of the closet — and cleaning out each other’s closets.
Circa — a privately held firm that buys estate jewelry and other used baubles and distributes them to upscale retailers and manufacturers — has acquired Portero.com, a growing e-tailer that hawks pre-owned Tiffany engagement rings, Cartier watches and Birkin bags to wallet-conscious luxury junkies, The Post has learned
The idea is to create a two-way marketplace in the lucrative secondhand luxury business, which has been losing its stigma among the well-heeled since the Great Recession, according to Circa execs.
“It has become very socially hip to buy in the pre-owned space,” according to Circa Marketing Director Natasha Cornstein. “I can’t give the names, but yes, we have a celebrity clientele for both businesses.”
Founded in 2001, Circa last year added buying offices in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Madrid and Geneva, bringing its total to 14 locations. This year, it will add offices in Short Hills, NJ, and Boca Raton, Fla., and on Long Island.
Clientele at Circa’s offices typically are over 40 with a net worth of $2 million or more — but still not above selling the family heirlooms, Cornstein said.
“The next generation doesn’t want the stuff from the previous generation,” Cornstein told The Post.
New York-based Circa is likewise discreet in moving one-of-a-kind gifts received on the charity circuit. “No one will see it in an auction catalog,” she said.
With its operations joined to Portero, Circa will now give its clients privileged access to deep discounts on handbags, watches and accessories, execs said.