Gerri’s Closet is packed with the hottest fall must-haves available for pennies on the dollar
By Beth Newcomb
What do Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Vera Bradley all have in common? They’re just some of the designer names you’ll find featured at Gerri’s Closet—an area resale shopping mainstay located in the city of Green. While other shops have exited the genre, Gerri’s continues to propel the idea of buying gently used goods into the mainstream mindset of today’s savvy shopper.
“It doesn’t matter how much money a person has, everyone wants a bargain,” smiles the warm and vivacious Gerri Talevich, owner of the 20-year-old (and counting) fashion fun house.
“People who shop here also love the thrill of the hunt. Unlike traditional retail stores, I don’t have, say, that trendy plaid shirt in every size. I have one. And you’d better grab it because it will be gone the next time you visit.”
That’s why I snapped up a pair of reptile-print kicks during my visit. As a person who covets athletic shoes the way some people yearn for handbags, the Nike Air tennies I found in my size and in a print I’d never seen before had no chance of being left behind.
That’s what makes a trip to Gerri’s somewhat of an event. You’re almost certain to leave with something different, stylish, trendy or unusual—for way less than you’d have paid if it were brand new.
And Gerri is discriminating when it comes to the consignments she’ll accept. She only takes the best of the best, so that everything in her store is fresh and current. That’s why people travel from as far away as West Virginia to visit her store.
“We have thousands of consigners,” Gerri reveals. “Because I do a 50-50 split, and most other places do 60-40, I tend to get the best stuff.”
Sizes range from 00 up to 28.
Every day, Gerri offers a 20 percent discount on her already low consignment prices for certain items. Take an additional 25 percent off anything marked with a red dot, every day. Handbags, she says, are typically discounted twice a month.
Because the inventory at Gerri’s Closet transitions almost hourly, liking her page on Facebook is the key to dialing in on the latest and greatest offerings.
“We have such a huge Facebook following, it takes five of us to manage all of the messages and requests,” she says. “We’re also in the process of making our website more shopper friendly so we can showcase the hundreds of fresh items we put on the floor every day. If you see something you like, we’ll gladly ship it to you.”
What’s in store for fall at Gerri’s? “Baby” bags (smaller purses) are super hot, and Coach still reigns supreme.
“We just got 21 brand new Coach bags in from a woman who collected them,” Gerri reveals.
Chunky jewelry with mixed metals is prominently featured, as are UGG boots, North Face vests, cashmere sweaters, plaid anything and wardrobe staples in monochromatic colors.
Gerri also says she has an awesome selection of dresses, so if you have an event and don’t want to spend a lot to look lovely for it, her store should be your go-to.
Gerri’s Closet is located at 4195 Massillon Road in Uniontown (in the city of Green). Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The phone number is (330) 896-8141. The web address is GerriCloset.com and the Facebook page is Gerri’s Closet.