Chardon’s newest store, Vintage Hollow, features vintage and eclectic finds to suit every taste and budget

By Mary Malik

Karen Miller and Meghan Connolly recognized each other as kindred spirits when they met. Both vendors at an vintage store in Mentor that ultimately closed, Karen and Meghan knew their partnership was just beginning.

“We became fast friends,” Karen says. “When the shop was closing, Meghan came to me and said, ‘I know you love what you’re doing as much as I do, would you like to continue doing it at an available space in Chardon?’ I couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough.”

The idea of Vintage Hollow was born, but the work was just beginning. That available space was an old bank in historic Chardon square that needed work—a lot of work.

“We had a vision,” Meghan says. “The space was gutted down to the dirt floors, all except for the beautiful mosaic mural behind the desk. It took us more than a year to finish the renovations and we opened in mid-October. We designed the space to showcase our eight unique vendors, including Karen’s and my individual shops.”

A retired teacher, Karen was in charge of interviewing vendors to fill the six additional spots and she knew just what she was looking for. She wanted each to bring their own expertise yet share in the vision for this project along with having a great attitude and a penchant for fun and teamwork.

“We wanted each vendor to bring their own unique vibe but also flow well together,” Karen says. “We wanted the space to have a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, not cluttered, where people can wander through each vendor’s space and discover all of the gorgeous antique furnishings, vintage, handmade and one-of-a-kind home décor items without feeling overwhelmed.”

To ensure a welcoming and relaxed environment, Karen and Meghan created a promenade-style layout for the space, where there’s a center “street” and vendor shops are staggered along the way as you stroll down the path. Part of the vision was to offer the ultimate shopping experience complete with music, candles and adjusted lighting to awaken all the senses and add ambience.

Meghan is an attorney and mother of four, Vintage Hollow is a creative outlet for her and the treasure hunting for the shop is what she enjoys most.

“I buy things I love,” Meghan says. “I offer a boho motif which appeals to young people and is a great way to dip your toe into vintage. If I love it, I hope someone else will, too. And through staging, it’s fun helping people put things together that they may never have thought of for their home.”

All the vendors are always changing inventory because things go quickly. So, if you see something you love, buy it.

Karen and Meghan love being a part of the bustling Chardon community and will hold an official ribbon cutting ceremony at Vintage Hollow on Wednesday, November 15 at 5p.m.

“Each of our vendors is its own small, local business, and we all support each other,” Karen says. “We’re excited to see everyone succeed with us.”

And if you don’t find just what you’re looking for, Karen and Meghan keep a “wish list” for customers and they’ll keep an eye out for you as they hunt for Vintage Hollow treasures.

Vintage Hollow is located at 109 Main Street in Chardon. Store hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. For more information call 440-214-9422, or email meg@vintagehollow.com or karen@vintagehollow.com. Follow them on social media @thevintagehollow or visit VintageHollow.com.