The Wooden Hanger to open on East Main Street Saturday

Beth Christian Broschart
November 6, 2019

BUCKHANNON – A local couple has decided to move their business to downtown Buckhannon and will soon be ‘hanging their shingle’ near the entrance to Trader’s Alley.

Kevin and Heather Harris have owned The Wooden Hanger for three years – a business that was located on the five-lane in Elkins. Recently, the couple decided to make a change and will be moving their business to downtown Buckhannon. Heather Harris said they are very excited for the move for many reasons.

“Downtown Buckhannon is so busy,” she said. “There is so much foot traffic, and this location is better for us because it is only two minutes from where we live.”

The Wooden Hanger is a clothing store which sells new and gently used clothes for kids, teens, women and men – as well as accessories, jewelry, shoes, boots and purses.

The business’s Facebook page announced it would open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at its new location, 33 E. Main St.

Heather Harris said the reason she originally wanted to have a resale shop like The Wooden Hanger was because she had two girls of her own.

“I like clothes and I always wanted nice clothes for my girls, too,” she said. “Kids grow out of clothes so fast, and I hate spending $40 for a pair of jeans for my girls when you can go and get a nice brand that is going to last a lot longer and is better quality for a couple of dollars from a resale store.”

Another great rationale for purchasing gently used items is that it is a recycling or re-using of items, Harris said.

“This is a great way to purchase good-quality, nice brands at much cheaper prices,” she said. “You can’t get much better than that.”

The Wooden Hanger will offer a wide variety of clothing including items for babies clear up to adults.

“We carry apparel for both boys and girls, men and women, all the way up to size 20 for kids, and then we do juniors – with lots of Hollister, American Eagle and Buckle brands,” Harris said. “We also carry women’s and plus size women’s clothing as well as men’s clothes. There are a lot of guys who like to shop, too.”

Heather said the clothes and accessories shoppers will find inside The Wooden Hanger come by way of people bringing in their new and gently used items.

“We accept donations,” she said. “When people bring in their items, I look through them and I pick out what I think I can sell. We come to an agreement on whether they want cash for the items or if they want store credit for their items. That’s how we do it.”

Once The Wooden Hanger opens their doors, they will keep hours on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

“Probably, our hours will probably be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” she said. “Once I see how things are going, we will pick a few days to have extended hours and stay open until 6 or 6:30 p.m. On the weekends, we will probably open earlier and stay open later. I will keep everyone up to date with our hours on our Facebook page.”

Some of the brand name items The Wooden Hanger sells include Justice, Chico’s, Christopher & Banks, Woolrich, Eddie Bauer and for little kids, Matilda Jane.

“Matilda Jane clothes really hold up and hold their value,” she said.

Once The Wooden Hanger opens, Harris invites folks to come down and check out their offerings.

“We are within walking distance of the college,” she said. “Students will be able to get the brands they like at good prices, and there will be good brands at good prices for moms looking to save some money. Christmas is coming up and by shopping local, folks don’t have to travel to the mall for the good name brands. Most importantly, you are supporting local residents.”

Harris said one great thing about The Wooden Hanger is she puts out new items each and every day.

“I am constantly, every day, pricing our new items, steaming them and putting them out for sale,” she said. “It’s a constant rotation, so folks will be ahead to check back with us often. Things come in and go right out the door.”

Heather said she and her husband, Kevin, are excited to become a part of the downtown Buckhannon scene.

“I am excited to be right in the heart of downtown Buckhannon,” Heather Harris said. “There is constant foot traffic and each night, it is great to see people eating dinner and watch families walking up and down the street.

“We have Sweet-a-Licious down the street and JesterLine,” she said. “There are kids running around, and it has been nice. It’s nice to see all of this activity. There is so much life downtown and I have really enjoyed that. It’s very exciting.”