Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Kathy McMahon of Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace, which is scheduled to close April 29.
Since she announced Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace’s closing, owner Kathy McMahon said the customer response has exceeded her expectations.
“The customer outpouring has been unbelievable, from beautiful letters to ‘Why are you doing this to us?’” McMahon said. “Every day somebody is tearing up because it’s going to be gone.”
It’s a testament to the 9-year-old shop’s place in the community not only as a clothing store, but as a place where friendships are made.
McMahon said the decision to close Renaissance was prompted by the lease at their 6801 Cahaba Valley Road storefront coming to an end. With a background in interior design and her second business, Urban Home Market, to run, McMahon said she felt it was the right time to narrow her business interests.
“I felt like I couldn’t be captain of two ships,” McMahon said.
Though the reaction from customers — many of whom are now close friends — has made her question if closing Renaissance is the right decision, McMahon said she feels confident that closing would be a better option than selling.
“I would rather go out at the top,” she said.
She has plenty of good memories from Renaissance’s near-decade in business. McMahon said she enjoys seeing customers come to the register with the great clothing pieces they’ve uncovered. “People have used Renaissance as kind of a treasure hunt,” McMahon said.
After Renaissance closes, McMahon said she plans to spend more time at Urban Home Market and introduce new ideas like the “while you were out” program, where homeowners can sign up for a room makeover while they are out of the house. She added that all the employees at Renaissance will have the option to continue working at Urban Home Market.
“We’ve had a great team here over the years,” she said.
With her own additional time, McMahon said she plans to do more with her husband and family, spend time at their Michigan lake home and pick up her hobbies, including painting and jewelry.
“I plan on jumping back into my art,” McMahon said.
The store’s last official day is April 29. Each week leading up to that day, Renaissance will feature different discounts to clear out its inventory of bridal, prom, formal and everyday wear.
After the store closes, McMahon said any remaining prom dresses will be donated to the YMCA for its annual prom dress giveaway, and other clothing will be donated to Catholic Charities USA, Shelby Baptist Church and Oak Mountain Ministries.
“I have no regrets and nothing but fond memories, and I know I’ll bawl my eyes out the day we walk out of here,” McMahon said.
Renaissance Consignment is at 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 120, and open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Go to renaissanceconsignment.com for more information.
