Oliver's Consignment Shop Closes on Maryland Avenue

Oliver's Buy Sell Trade consignment shop is closing its doors after three years at 65 Maryland Ave. on Sept. 30.

Owner Kelly Meade said it's not because business is bad or the rent is too high, it's because she's decided to become a stay-at-home mom to her two little boys.

"I was getting ready to move to a bigger location, and be branded, and get a really awesome website," Meade said. "Then I woke up the day I was supposed to sign the lease, and it hit me like a ton of bricks: You're done; you don't want to do this."

She said the thought had be lurking in her head after she returned from a family vacation a few weeks ago where she got to spend every day with sons.

"Coming back to work just didn't feel right anymore," Meade said.

Oliver’s opened on Maryland Avenue three years ago, which Meade named after her firstborn son. She bought gently used women's and children's clothing from area residents and then re-sold them in her store. Patrons could choose between cash or store credit for their gently used shirts, shoes and handbags.

Meade said it's been a successful business venture for her. She's heard that there are a few potential renters for the space that are interested in starting their own consignment shop.

"People are still going to come to this spot thinking consignment" Meade said.

In anticipation of her last day Meade is no longer accepting clothes on consignment and everything in the store is for sale, including the lamps. 

Clothing is on sale from 25 percent to 75 percent off its tagged prices. The clothes themselves come from a variety of brands like Free People, J Crew, Banana Republic and Anthropology.

Starting next week Meade will bring in furniture and household items to sell because in addition to closing the store, she is also selling her home. The household items also will help fill out what is becoming an increasingly sparse shop.

Meade said one of the hardest parts of giving up the store will be adjusting to the idea of buying clothes for herself again. She said she's hasn't bought an item of clothing in the three year's she owned Oliver's. 

But her son Oliver, who also is 3, is growing increasingly curious and inquisitive about the world around him. Meade said he is at the phase where he is always asking why.

"I want to be there with him," Meade said. "I want to be a part of that."

Have you shopped in Oliver's before? Are you sad to see it go?