By Gabrielle Rente
Elm Staff Writer
Chestertown has many shops that sells everything from knick-knacks, to artwork, to even caffeinated beverages, but there are not many stores where a penny-pinching student can find apparel. Sure, there is Amazon, a common supplier of not only textbooks but really anything for the student body, but buying local is a more pleasant sensation. Not only can a person receive their items instantly after purchase, but they also benefit the local shops with business. Luckily, just down Cross Street, tucked between the Bookplate and Play It Again Sam, rests a photogenic consignment shop called Empty Hangers.
Its story began back in May of 2009, when Terry Miles opened the store just three doors down from its current location. “I didn’t even know about consignment stores until I started working in one,” said current store owner, Barbara Kostick. She has been working for the business for five years, starting out as a sales clerk before working her way up to being her own boss. She eventually bought the store from Miles. “When you find good help, you keep it,” she said, referring to advice that her son, who owns a business himself, told her when she began running the store.
Appealing window displays of items for sale await the eyes of potential shoppers. When walking in, customers are welcomed with smiles from sales clerks and the sweet, light aroma associated with the store. Occasionally, Sioux, the affectionate three-legged dog, will happily greet shopping customers with a wag of her tail, allowing lots pets and praise.
The store offers apparel from name brand items, including Talbots, Lily Pultizer, Vera Bradley, and many more. The stock clothing for men, women, infants, and juniors, with shoes, jewelry and many more accessories to go along with them. All clothing items are within two years of fashion, gently worn, and always in season. There is something for every occasion, from casual to semi-formal, as the well-dressed mannequins prove to all shoppers.
The aisles are kept clean, and the clothes neatly organized by size and functionality. There are changing rooms waiting for anyone who wishes to try on their latest find. Jewelry is on display in a lovely glass case that will make anyone stop to look at the unique items within. There is also an assortment of shoes, scarfs, hats, sunglasses, and handbags to please anyone’s style. Employees here are polite and extremely helpful in assisting customers.
Come into the store looking for a certain item and can’t find it? There is a solution for that. “We have a book that you write your name in and your telephone number down and what you’re looking for, and if it comes in, then we give you a call,” Kostick said. She referred to a past sale involving a baby cradle where having such a system helped the customers find what they needed.
Yes, Empty Hangers even carries household items. Located in the very back of the store, customers can find decently priced furniture pieces and home décor like paintings and figurines. There is a collection of movies and books, and occasionally small appliances, like microwaves.
“If you’re looking for a good deal, this is where you’re going to find it,” Kostick said. Every two weeks, the store changes the color on marked items that are 50 percent off. Students who show their IDs will receive an additional 10 percent off their purchase.