Caramia’s Reloved Fashion has moved to a Main St. location in Downtown Lock Haven.
CHASE BOTTORF/THE EXPRESS
LOCK HAVEN — Caramia’s ReLoved Fashion has moved its storefront to Main Street in Downtown Lock Haven.
Caramia’s is a fully woman-owned business by way of Cara Montarsi. She is excited to bring her used clothing store to Main Street from the rear of Penny Lane.
The storefront specializes in selling unopened and used women’s clothing, accessories and formal attire — or as Montarsi refers to it as “recycled and reLoved” fashion. She also plans to branch out into men’s clothing sometime in the future.
For the formal side of the store, there are plans on expanding into formal wear such as wedding and prom dresses. Montarsi wants there to be an outlet where formal attire can be affordable.
“I know wedding dresses, prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses are such an expense for everyone involved. I would love to be able to re-love those types of things,” she said.
CHASE BOTTORF/THE EXPRESS
Cara Montarsi, center with scissors, is pictured with friends and supporters at the ribbon cutting for her business’s new location on Main St. in Downtown Lock Haven.
Currently, Caramia’s does carry bridesmaids and prom dresses. These dresses are not displayed due to the limited space. Anybody, however, is able to pick out dresses to try on, Montarsi said. She hopes to have a dedicated space for formal wear in the storefront as well as for the men’s clothing.
After having staffing and hour changes from their previous space, the storefront is ready for business for the public.
“We had changes with staffing and hours. In the beginning, I staffed with all college kids and was only open in the evenings and weekends. Of course the public wanted more,” Montarsi said.
For members of the community and those in need, Caramia’s has a voucher program with Roads to Peace, the Clinton County Housing Coalition and Children and Youth. The vouchers help give clothing to people in these programs for free.
“We have a solid partnership with Roads to Peace, the Housing Coalition and Children and Youth. They have vouchers, so if someone is utilizing their services, they are able to receive a voucher and they can come in and shop for free,” she said.
CHASE BOTTORF/THE EXPRESS
One of the many racks of merchandise at Caramia’s ReLoved Fashion is pictured.
Individuals in the public, outside of these services who are in need, can also reach out to Montarsi for help through the voucher program. The program is solely funded by clothing donations.
“Anytime someone comes in with clothing and they don’t want money for it, we would put it on our housing account for however much we would’ve given as an in-store credit. We just put it on that account and that is where people can shop from,” Montarsi said.
Clothing aside, Caramia’s has recently begun a partnership with Nicole Murray who owns Marsh Creek Candles & Melts. Murray will be selling an array of candles and wax melts in-store. For the time being, these items will be cash only.
“She is another woman entrepreneur that wanted a local store to be able to sell her candles in because she doesn’t have a storefront. She typically goes to vendor events. I am very excited for this new partnership where people can come in and purchase candles and wax melts,” Montarsi said.
Caramia’s ReLoved Fashion is located at 132 E. Main St. They are open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a..m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Come see us! We are happy to be downtown and I’ve always been huge in supporting local businesses and family owned businesses in the area. I’ve always believed in giving back to the community you serve and we are looking forward to being a staple on Main Street,” Montarsi said.
