RIVERSIDE
When Kiff Hall first looked at the Riverside property on Highway 22 with husband Steve, they were in the dark with just their phone lights on. Their first impression? “Run” and “no …
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RIVERSIDE
When Kiff Hall first looked at the Riverside property on Highway 22 with husband Steve, they were in the dark with just their phone lights on. Their first impression? “Run” and “no way.”
That was two years ago. Today, when customers enter the renovated storefront for the first time, they’ll receive a very different sign: one that says, “Welcome. Yay, you’re here!”
Hall’s new shop, The Hall Closet, celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Shoppers filled it up, ferreting out finds and making purchases while Hall and her family welcomed them with sweet treats.
The resale store is kid-centric, filled with clothes and shoes, books and toys; a treasure trove for the younger set.
“We specialize in kids, and we’re not consignment,” Hall explains. “We are either donations or we buy outright.”
Those with goods they want to sell or donate can bring up to two filled totes into the shop at a time; the Halls aim to make decisions about what they will purchase as quickly as they can, either while a contributor shops or within a few days if need be. Current, gently used kids’ clothes, toys, shoes, and children’s books in very good condition are all desired; cribs, car seats, and adult clothing are not.
Daughter Maya says her parents “are definitely spearheading” the business, but “each of us kids” – of which there are three, all adults themselves – “each have our own side as well. We have a group chat, and we approve furniture and things like that.”
One of the neat things about downtown storefront properties is that they often come with a residential upper story as well. The Halls’ property is no exception; in fact, the upper story was their initial focus when starting renovations. Today, they rent it out as an Airbnb.
The project has produced “every emotion imaginable,” Hall says as exuberant kids play in a corner of the shop and their parents peruse the racks around her on opening day.
The Hall Closet may just be the beginning of new businesses opening on Highway 22 in Riverside as the city puts effort into bringing this area back to life. Check it out for yourself; the shop is located at 21 W First St. (Hwy 22), Riverside; hours are Tuesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
