DOWNTOWN BUTLER
A business owner on Main Street in Butler will retire next week to spend more time with her 11 children and five grandchildren, but she will miss her devoted customers and consigners.
Grace Wright, owner of the Second Time Around consignment shop, has owned the business for 15 years.
She will lock up for the final time on Dec. 18.
“I love this store dearly, and I love the people,” Wright said, “but it's time for me to spend some time with my family.”
She is the third owner of Second Time Around, which first opened some four decades ago at the former Butler Mall at New Castle and South Duffy roads.
Wright is currently selling the new and gently used clothing, accessories and gowns remaining in the store at deep discounts. The store's racks, fixtures and decorations are also for sale.
Wright sold the building where the store is housed, but she could not divulge what type of storefront will replace hers.
“There are plans for it,” Wright said. “It's not going to be a consignment store, though.”
She said the store was a great fit for downtown Butler because of her affordable prices and location on Main Street.
“Many people in Butler don't have transportation, so they could shop here,” Wright said.
She has run the store with the help of various family members for three years, since her daughter, Lindsay Gibson, moved to Nashville.
Wright and Gibson operated the store together for 12 years.
All that exposure to customers, Wright said, forges a bond with regular shoppers and those bringing in items for consignment.“I'm going to have really mixed emotions, but I know it's time for me to retire,” she said. “I'm going to miss everyone. That's the hardest part about giving this store up.”She looks forward to spending time with her many children after retirement.“Six of those kids live out of state, so I'm going to go visiting,” Wright said.Jordan Grady, executive director of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, said he hates to lose a retailer whose business is thriving like Second Time Around.“You never want to see a store close and add another vacancy to the storefronts on Main Street,” Grady said. “Obviously it's sad, but it also opens up an opportunity for someone to make an investment and put some stakes down in the city, and we hope that happens sooner rather than later.”He said Second Time Around has an eye-catching sign and window display for those walking down the street.“It makes you want to go inside and see what they offer,” Grady said.He said a consignment shop is a great store to have available during the sometimes-difficult financial situations caused by the coronavirus pandemic.“It's a unique concept that was working here and probably is working all around the country in the downtown Main Street world,” Grady said.Wright said her many customers and consigners have made her 15 years with Second Time Around a very special part of her life.“I wish everyone the very best and thank you for your support,” she said.
