The unique vintage and modern used clothing and accessories shop, Blackbird Lane, is going out of business. Owner Maureen Francis says after three profitable years, the $2,000/month sublease and utilities costs became too much. Fortunately, you’ll still be able to take advantage of her wonderful eye by purchasing clothing through the online marketplace, Etsy.com. She plans to become a vendor on the site by the end of March.
In the meantime, you can get some fantastic bargains in her store. Today, most items are $5, and tomorrow Maureen will sell you a grocery bag full of treasures for $5.
“Everyone in Montclair and Glen Ridge have been so great. They’d stop in to shop and shoot the breeze–I’ll miss the connection,” says Maureen. “All the kids, from middle school to college, who were creating a sense of themselves through clothes–they were so cool. It was such a pleasure to help them.”
Born Again Vintage, currently located above the CVS on Bloomfield Ave. will be moving into the space, says Maureen. Look for them to open around the middle of April.
Maureen (who also goes by Moe) recently posted this touching farewell to Blackbird Lane’s facebook page:
Hi Everyone, At the end of this month sorry to say that Blackbird Lane will be closing.It’s been a very hard year for me. I can’t keep up with the costs of running the business. But I had a great 3 years I have met some great people and new friends. So I am ok with everything.I will be doing a on line store with Esty.com under Blackbirdlanevintage. That will be up and running sometime in March.
Right now everything is marked down at the shop. But its moving out pretty fast. Again Thank You for all of you who has walked thru my door……….This one will close but another will open another time another place.
Love, Moe
Tracy V. of Verona recently wrote this review of Blackbird Lane on Yelp (where the shop boasts a 4.5 star rating):
Always wanted to stop by and today I finally did!! They have the most practical thrift items…cowboy boots, the coolest graphic shirts for guys with vintage prints, and I snagged an awesome vintage sweatshirt…Unfortunately the woman working told me they’ll be CLOSING IN A MONTH!!! broke my heart that it took me so long to pop in and now there’s only a month left to enjoy this awesome place!! …I’m honestly a little distraught. This place is quality and what Montclair is truly all about. Go see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!
Blackbird Lane
219 Glenridge Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07042
Sorry to hear that. I score a pretty skirt there once for $8 and always get compliments when I wear it. But glad to hear she’ll be on Etsy, it’s one of my online shopping addictions.