Banana Tree to Hold Pop-up Sale in Del Ray

Banana Tree, an importing business specializing in antique, vintage and Art Deco Asian home furnishings and other items from Thailand, India, Indonesia and Burma, will hold a pop-up sale at the Lofts of Del Ray from May 5 to May 29.

In April of 2011, owners Monique and Bob Bergin  after more than 18 years in business to make a move to e-commerce.

Though happy with the move to the web, Monique Bergin says she didn’t want to lose touch with her longtime customers.

“[Pop-up sales were] always part of the plan when we closed on King Street,” Bergin said.

May’s sale is the first of several Bergin said she would like to do. It will be held in the retail space at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Raymond avenues in the Lofts of Del Ray, a mixed-used community with residential and commercial space. RE/MAX is currently settling into another commercial space in the building.

“Lofts of Del Ray have just been wonderful,” Bergin said. “They’re interested in promoting their space and we’re interested in promoting our business.”

Bergin said the pop-up will give her an opportunity to sell furniture pieces, something has proven been “too difficult” to do on the web because of shipping complications.

It will also give her and Bob a chance to do face-to-face sales once again, giving the business owners a chance to impart their knowledge and appreciation for Asian culture acquired during Bob’s Foreign Service career. 

“I think people enjoyed that little extra information,” Monique Bergin said.

Bob Bergin has authored three novels set in Asia, while Monique holds a master’s in Asian history from Georgetown University.

“We’re very happy [the sale is] in Del Ray because we still have our Old Town customers and hopefully we can reach some new ones,” Bergin said. “I know there are lots of young families looking to furnish their homes.”

Bergin promises lots of unique items and at prices that are “not too expensive.” Everything will be discounted 30 to 50 percent, she said.