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Clara Mae Company’s vintage store opens in West Chester
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Clara Mae Company’s vintage store opens in West Chester

WEST CHESTER—Looking for something a little different? Do you want a unique gift and outfit?

Presumably 107 N. Church St. in the township. Clara Mae Company at has what you’re looking for.

The 500 square meter store, which opened in August, is full of unique products and each piece is different.

New vintage store in West Chester. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
New vintage store in West Chester. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)

East Bradford store owner Jessica Smedley has a flair for fashion and beautiful, wearable vintage clothing.

“You know when you walk into a room you’re not going to be wearing something someone else is wearing,” Smedley said during a recent interview at the store.

Smedley named the Clara Mae Company after her grandmother.

“She raised me,” Smedley said. “She wasn’t just my grandmother, she was my mother and later my best friend.”

A vintage flannel and t-shirt design at Clara Mae Company in West Chester. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
A vintage flannel and t-shirt design at Clara Mae Company in West Chester. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)

With his oldest son now a senior in high school, Smedley has truly found his true passion lies in selling vintage.

“This pushes me to my next place,” he said. “And it’s something I enjoy doing.”

Right now, when it’s flannel season and there’s a sewing machine behind the counter, Smedley’s sells T-shirts sewn onto the backs of vintage flannel shirts.

Vintage clothing at Clara Mae Company. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Vintage clothing at Clara Mae Company. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)

“What a great way to take some old t-shirts that might have gotten too worn and reuse them,” he said.

You’ll find Eagles and Phillies merchandise, concert shirts, and Smedley will even customize shirts.

“I can buy anything you want,” said the shop owner.

Shop owner Jessica Smedley invites you to step into Clara Mae Company in West Chester. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Shop owner Jessica Smedley invites you to step into Clara Mae Company in West Chester. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)

The store also carries sweatshirts and sportswear. Smedley upcycles embroidered designer bags.

She works in small shopkeeping businesses and sells souvenirs and soap from Glenmoore’s Starfish Bath. Designer-inspired dog toys are a big seller.

When it’s holiday time, you can buy flannel shirts that match the outfit your dog is wearing.

“I want to buy a flannel for my husband, can I get a matching one for my dog?” spouses often ask.

Smedley moved Clara Mae Company from Brandywine Avenue in Downingtown to West Chester because she “couldn’t pass up the opportunity” to be in what she said was a magical place.

“People are walking here; “There’s a lot of walking in traffic,” he said. “All businesses support each other.

“It’s a really special place.”

107 N. Church St. in West Chester. Clara Mae Company at is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

To shop online or learn more, go to claramaecompany.com or call 484-947-5861.