Gerri's Closet keeps you first in fashion
By Beth Newcomb
I’m sitting with the always effusive Gerri Talevich, owner of Gerri’s Closet, arguably one of the most popular consignment shops in Northern Ohio, when she leans in close and in her best stage whisper tells me the woman at the counter is none other than fashion blogger and style consultant Meghan Dyer. Meghan, Gerri reveals, is a regular raider of The Closet—as much for herself as for the clients she helps to dress. Behind the counter, one of Gerri’s newest staff additions is another fashion blogger, Julie.
As Meghan finishes making her purchases and bids Gerri a warm goodbye, in through the door walks Mary Sklamba, owner of one of the area’s hottest modeling and talent agencies, Pro Model & Talent Management. Mary’s clients are so hot and happening, they regularly get snapped up by the likes of Maybelline, Rue 21 and Abercrombie to showcase their wares. “She sends all of her models here to find on-trend, super cute yet affordable outfits to wear to go-sees,” Gerri reveals.
What. Is. Going. On. Gerri?
I’m trying to keep my mouth from hanging open as Gerri, clearly used to the who’s-who of Northern Ohio and beyond regularly embarking on buying sprees in her store, points to one hot new trend after another.
Wait, this is a consignment store?
Yes.
It’s just that after 20 years in business, Gerri knows exactly what her customers are looking for—and she packs the racks and shelves with staples like Talbots, Chico’s, Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, Lane Bryant, Lily Pulitzer and much, much more. Practically giddy with excitement, she again stage whispers to me that as we speak she’s got Prada and Yves St. Laurent bags with an authenticator. “The minute I get the authentication back those bags are going on the floor,” she breathes with excitement, noting the buyer will get the certificate of authenticity upon purchase.
Gerri reports that her women’s department, in sizes ranging from 16 and up, continues to pull in buyers. “We sell tons and have a great selection,” she says. “We have the hottest brands in this department, too. Look for Eileen Fisher and Lane Bryant among others.”
Gerri’s Got Kicks
I tell Gerri that the silvery grey snakeskin-esque Nikes I purchased from her shop during my last visit draw compliments everywhere I go, as my eye is pulled to a darling pair of espadrilles on the display shelf. “Not your size,” she confirms. But a quick look at the shelves bursting with designer shoes confirms she does have a sassy pair of Calvin Klein sneaks that will fit. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I wear a 10—a size you might not expect to find readily available at a consignment store, yet every time I visit I discover a generous representation in the cutest styles.
Right now, Gerri’s also boasts Channel, Burberry and a slew of spring and summer styles. Like the Wicked Witch of the West, I crinkle my fingers and long to make a grab at the to-die-for pink glitter Kate Spades Gerri is sporting. “Gosh I hope they show up in the pictures,” she smiles, holding up her foot and turning it side to side to tease me.
Pantone’s Color of the Year
Because Gerri stays up-to-date on everything happening in fashion, she’s generously highlighting Pantone’s color of the year, Living Coral. Displayed right now are adorable capris, tops and accessories just begging to be yours—unless I get to them first.
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.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The phone number is 330-896-8141 and the web address is GerrisCloset.com. The Facebook page is very active, with posts of new merchandise happening almost hourly.