After 23 years, Dawn Wise is finally working on Main Street.
The Bel Air resident says she has wanted her consignment shop, Country Britches, to be on the town’s historic thoroughfare since she opened its first location in 1991.
“I love the whole vibe of it,” she says. “And I could walk to work.”
So when Wise learned Flowers By Design was closing, leaving its space at 113 S. Main St. open for a new tenant, she knew it was time to move.
“It was a no-brainer,” Wise says.
In January, after 10 years in an old one-room schoolhouse in Hickory and 12 years off the Bel Air Bypass (U.S. 1), Country Britches opened in its newest home.
“It’s a little smaller, but everyone who comes in says it’s bigger,” Wise says.
The consignment shop spans two rooms. In addition to brand-name jewelry, children’s toys, baby equipment, clothing, shoes and bedding, Country Britches is now carrying more furniture and handmade vendor items than it has in the past.
“We have wine bottles made into lamps, a bar made out of wooden pallets,” Wise says. “Lots of repurposed items.”
Many of Wise’s customers visit the shop to find statement, unusual or secondhand pieces while decorating their homes.
“People love to pick things up and not spend a fortune updating a room,” Wise says.
Irene D’Onofrio of Conowingo has bought everything from cribs and high chairs for her six grandchildren to clothing, China sets and dressers at Country Britches.
“I do love resale, and I’m a very frugal person,” says D’Onofrio, a Country Britches shopper for more than six years. “(At the shop) everything is in fantastic shape, and you get great finds.”
Given the longevity of her business, Wise says she sees plenty of repeat customers like D’Onofrio.
“I’m seeing second generations,” she says. “Little girls coming in with their moms are now coming in with their (own) babies. It’s such a small town; it’s nice to see families grow.”