It’s a Wrap is getting ready for a sequel.

Spurred in large part by banner receipts at its Burbank and Beverly Hills stores, the retailer, which sells clothes worn in movies and TV shows at discount prices, is planning an expansion to a third location this year.

Owner Tiara Nappi said sales last year were 17 percent higher than the year before, a pace she said gave her the confidence to expand.

“After 34 years in the business we feel we have reached the pinnacle of what could be accomplished with the sale of wardrobe items and, in order to expand, now want to try our hand at props, furnishings, set dressings and curios from our clients at the studios, who have given this next venture a warm response,” she said. “So now we are looking for a suitable third location.”

Nappi is scouting 7,000-square-foot locations in Orange County for its next outpost and is considering a fourth branch in Las Vegas.

“Given that Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, it would be a great location for us,” said Nappi, 44.

Every item sold at It’s a Wrap is tagged with a studio code indicating what production it came from and is displayed alongside other items from that same film or show. The star who wore it is not identified on the description but sharp-eyed fans often easily identify the outfits.

Nappi receives new consignments daily from different studios, whose production asset managers, the folks responsible for the sets, costumes, props, furnishings, set decoration and accessories seen on screen, make items available to It’s a Wrap after production has ended. The retailer takes the goods on consignment and splits proceeds with the studios.

The inventory includes clothing and accessories for both men and women, ranging from casual to elegant, lingerie to jewelry, shoes to shirts.

“We’re always available for a wardrobe pickup. We take everything they have to offer, provide the transportation, (and) we remit inventory promptly and we pay on time,” said Nappi. “We keep our prices low – 35 percent to 95 percent off retail – because we have loads of items and a quick turnaround time to sell them for our studio clients.”

Those clients appear happy with the arrangement.

“We have enjoyed a long history with It’s a Wrap and value the excellent service,” said Colin Greene, Sony Pictures Entertainment vice president of production asset management.

The ongoing success of It’s a Wrap can largely be explained by the marketing leverage of celebrity, according to a Hollywood insider who helps match celebrities with consumer products.

“People are more interested in buying anything that has a connection to a celebrity, whether it be clothing or props, because of that interesting attribute of humans to be attracted to celebrity,” said L.A. publicist Alyson Dutch. “Also, the recycled, reused aspect of It’s a Wrap is something really attractive to consumers.”

‘Close to your crush’

The It’s a Wrap stores sell costumes worn in everything from “Sex and the City” to “Dancing With the Stars.”

“This side of the retail business is like a treasure hunt for TV and film fanatics,” said Beverly Hills personal shopper Christine Harte. “Some of them simply feel closer to their favorite stars by wearing clothes from their favorite shows and films. It’s similar to the appeal of getting close to your crush.”

Celebrity-worn clothing is a growing section of the retail business even among those who don’t have their own brick-and-mortar stores but instead operate via eBay, other websites or word of mouth.

Bel Air consignment specialist Elaine Hussey deals directly and discreetly with celebrities who wish to sell their items and does most of her business by personal referral.

“In this social media age, being close to celebrities has never been more desirable, but the big thing to watch for among consumers looking for screen-worn clothes is that they are indeed buying something authentic,” she said. “The best authentication is a photograph of the star with the item, and I document it that way. Unfortunately, there’s lots of unauthenticated items sold every day by fly-by-night operators. It’s better to operate from a position of trust.”

Niche

It’s a Wrap began when Nappi’s mother, Janet Dion, opened a little Studio City store in 1981 called the Retake Room, which was replaced by the 6,800-square-foot Burbank It’s a Wrap in 1992. The smaller Beverly Hills store, on Robertson Boulevard, opened in 2005.

“I’ve been doing this since ’92, so 23 years. My mom retired 10 years ago and now I run the business with my husband, Dominic, so I’m proud it continues to be family owned and operated,” Nappi said.

Her 10-year-old daughter, Audrey, has already expressed interest in becoming the third generation of the family to run It’s a Wrap.

Even stars of TV and movies themselves are among her customers.

“We’ve had the likes of Drew Barrymore, Anthony Hopkins, Shirley MacLaine and Geena Davis shopping with us,” she added. “I guess stars love a bargain, too.”