Furs By Demetrios Corners Niche Maryland Market

Owning and maintaining a fur is no simple task. But hopes to help by being a one-stop shop for all things fur-related.

"We're a full service store," said Carol Demetrios, an owner of the Hunt Valley business. "We do storage, repairs, custom designs and have a full inventory of coats, jackets and accessories."

The store is the only furrier in Maryland able to do design work on the premises, Demetrios added. Other businesses have to ship furs to New York furriers to get alterations done.

"My husband's got 40 years experience," she said. "He started as an apprentice in New York and we moved to Maryland in '92 and opened a store in Timonium."

The Hunt Valley location opened at 10746 York Road three years ago because the business was prospering and the Demetrios family needed a larger space to accommodate the operation.

"The fur market itself isn't growing, but it's stable," Demetrios said. "We're doing well because we're a full service shop."

Demetrios partially blames the tough economy for the fur industry's stagnancy, but still considers the products to be a worthwhile investment.

"A fur jacket can run from $2,500 to $5,000," she said. "But it'll last you 25 to 30 years and nothing's as warm as a fur."

Furs By Demetrios is now offering a 40 to 70 percent off sale on fur coats and jackets until Jan. 16.