New Consignment Shop Approved in North Adams
 Stephanie Melito hopes to open in a few weeks. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The proprietor of the downtown's newest store, Once Around the Block, will hold an open house on Saturday from 11 to 2.
Stephanie Melito of Adams said her consignment shop won't open officially until mid-March but she wanted to take the opportunity presented by Winterfest to let the community know about her Holden Street business.
"It's just to introduce myself," said Melito, taking a break from painting the 18 Holden St. storefront on Tuesday.
The business was approved by the Planning Board on Monday, pending obtainment of other required permitting. The vacant space has most recently been used as a gallery by DownStreet Art.
Melito said she was looking for something new after working in banking for 15 years and then at Excelsior Print.
"I have worked for so many people over the last 25 years ... I just needed my own thing," she said. "I thought there was a need for it around here."
After doing some research, she thought clothing consignment would be a viable business because of the rising popularity of secondhand clothing.
What she's looking for is good quality, new or gently worn items for men, women and children. If someone has Levis, for example, in the back of their closet, she's interested.
"That's not stuff you want to toss. I know what you paid for those, if i can get some money for them ... why not?" said Melito. "I will be choosy. If you looked at it on the rack and you wouldn't buy it because of the condition it's in, that's the kind of stuff I don't want."
She plans on taking 90-day consignments with 40 percent payout; 10 percent will go toward local charities and fundraisers along with scheduled donation sales.
Hours will be 10 to 6 Tuesday to Friday, and 10 to 3 on Saturday and Sunday to start.
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| Above, taxi operator Rodney Sumner said he wants to be available at night to prevent drunken driving; right, Jay Walsh was welcomed to the board. |
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Also approved by the Planning Board on Monday:
• Signage and change of use of 105 Main St. as a professional office by North Adams Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County Community Development Corp. and the North Adams Office of Tourism. Planners Paul Hopkins and Brian Miksic recused themselves from deliberation and voting because they sit on the chamber's board.
• An application by Rodney J. Sumner to operate a taxicab business from 288 Beaver St., owned by T & R Service Center. Sumner said the cab would be parked at the garage from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m., and was expected be on the road providing rides during the night. His number would be on the vehicle. Sumner still has to go before the City Council.
• Application of Savio Lighting Inc. for property located at 149 Eagle St. for the Needham-based retailer to operate a professional office and showroom.
• Postponement of an application by County Rainbow Taxi Inc. to operate a taxi and cabulance business at 362 State Road to the next meeting at the applicant's request.
• The re-election of Michael Leary as chairman and Paul Hopkins as vice chairman.
Tags: consignment, new business, Planning Board, taxi,
