20220629 Gerris Closet — She started with 75 items and 700 square feet. Today, Gerri Talevich, owner of Gerri’s Closet, heads one of the largest consignment shops in the area. Find out why people from across the state and beyond continue to flock to her impressive store. (Photography: Felicia Vargo)

By Beth Newcomb

For nearly a quarter-century, the always-delightful Gerri Talevich, owner of the still-red-hot, Green-based Gerri’s Closet, has been bringing people together. Fashionable women who own closets bursting with the hottest clothing brands they’re ready to part with and equally on-trend mavens in search of the same designer duds are united here.

“In addition to spanning sizes 00 to 26, our fashions cover every genre, with a focus on what’s happening in the world of wearables,” Gerri says. “Our consigners are women with impeccable taste who like to cycle their wardrobe seasonally. Many of the items are high-end, with an appreciable selection of mid-range options. We provide them with an outlet to sell their clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories.”

Since launching 24 years ago, Gerri’s Closet, owned and operated by the engaging Gerri Talevich, has grown from a 700-square-foot space to a generous 3,200 square feet packed with new and gently used fashions.

Gerri meticulously combs through the consignment offerings she’s presented and then hand selects the best of the best. Many pieces have never been worn and sport store tags. Others may have been loved once or twice. “We’re very picky about what we put out on the sales floor, and we don’t accept everything,” she assures. “But the deal here is, we typically only have one of each item. So, if you see it, and you love it, you have to buy it—before someone else does.”

In fact, women from across Northeast Ohio and beyond regularly make the pilgrimage to Gerri’s in search of on-trend fashions at bargain prices. Designers like Michael Kors, Chico’s, Talbot’s, Torrid, J. Crew and Ann Taylor can be found on virtually every rack. There’s also an appreciable selection from notable luxury names such as Lily Pulitzer, Eileen Fisher, Tory Burch and even Louis Vuitton. In fact, on the day of our interview, Gerri was in transit, headed out to have two fresh LV bags authenticated. And that’s just the kind of attention to detail her customers adore her for.

The spotless, boutique-like store features only flawless clothing, accessories, shoes and home décor items.

“When I opened 24 years ago, the store carried just 75 items and took up just 700 square feet,” Gerri shares. “Today we have thousands of items beautifully arranged in over 3,200 square feet. Our staff of one has grown to a team of 12, representing every body type and taste in clothing. So, while our customers count on us to provide them with first-rate goods, they also lean into our unmatched customer service and staff know-how. We regularly help style people who are in search of a new look, and we’re thoughtful and honest about what looks good on someone and what doesn’t.”

Much of the merchandise at Gerri’s Closet is new or like new, with prices at a fraction of what you’d pay in a traditional retail store.

Shoppers new to consignment wares may be a little surprised when visiting Gerri’s. The spotless, boutique-like store features only flawless clothing, accessories, shoes and home décor items. Much of the merchandise is new or like new, with prices at a fraction of what you’d pay in a traditional retail store. “It’s a misconception that just because you’re buying second hand the styles aren’t first rate,” says Gerri.

It’s a handbag lovers haven. Gerri’s Closet boasts an impressive offering of Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch and even the occasional Louis Vuitton.

Every day, Gerri features one of the store’s categories at 20% off, so there’s always an opportunity to save even more.

Over the last few years, Gerri has been beefing up her home décor offerings, which now account for a good portion of her sales. “Much of the home décor we offer is new, with gently used or like-new filtered in,” she shares. “And all of it is affordable. People love being able to grab an on-trend decorating idea and make it their own—for less.”

Every day, Gerri’s Closet features one of the store’s categories at 20% off, so there’s always an opportunity to save even more.

First Sundays
Now through October, on the first Sunday of each month, the Trifecta Market takes place in the plaza where Gerri’s Closet is located. Here you’ll find about a dozen or so outdoor vendors with everything from soap and candles to chocolates and more. Food trucks onsite round out the experience and Gerri is delighted to inform her guests that she is open from 10 a.m-3 p.m. on the day of the marketplace event. “We’ve had so many customers tell us how thrilled they are to be able to shop with us on Sunday,” she smiles.

In fact, Gerri is keeping the trend going by opting to open the first Sunday in November and December as well.

“It’s just one more way for us to bring people together,” she shares.

How to Consign
Gerri makes it easy for fashionistas to unload their goodies and grab something new. Consigners can visit the shop Wednesday and Thursday, from 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at a time of their choosing.

Gerri’s Closet accepts in-season items only, so no winter coats in August. To get a feel for what the shop carries, you can visit the website or the Facebook page. It’s the best way to know if your items are a perfect fit.

Gerri’s Closet is at 4195 Massillon Road, in Uniontown. The phone number is 330-896-8141. Find out more online, at GerrisCloset.com, visit the Facebook page by the same name, or follow on Instagram @ClosetGirlOfGreen.

Categories: Greater Akron Shops & Boutiques

Find top-quality fashions, accessories, shoes and home décor offered at a fraction of regular prices at Gerri’s Closet