Goodbye Retropolitan

After more than 15 years in business on Main Street, Cindy Ryland is packing up the apparel shop  and moving to Annapolis.

“I wanted to stay in the Historic District,” she said, tearing up at counter, “But nothing was available.”

Ryland’s lease is up on Oct. 31, but she may leave Main Street sooner, maybe mid-October, if her new storefront in Annapolis is ready, she said.   

The Ellicott City resident began her 17-year tenure on Main Street at Starry Night, where she worked and eventually took over. With her daughter, who had been selling vintage clothes at Taylor’s Antiques, Ryland opened Retropolitan at 8006 Main Street in 2003.

“I just love to hunt and gather,” Ryland said of her relationship with vintage and antique goods. She also said she loves to present her items just right – “Retropolitan has been really well known for its displays.”

That skill has helped Ryland branch out into other fields; she also does home staging and costuming for different projects, including the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.

In a letter to customers posted on the front door, Ryland said it was “with a heavy heart” that Retropolitan would leave Main Street. 

“It’s really hard for me to leave this wonderful little town,” she said, standing in the perfumed shop Wednesday morning, “But I have to believe that when one door closes, another opens.” 

Her new storefront (14 Annapolis Street in West Annapolis) is in a neighborhood reminiscent of a “little European village,” dotted with cafes “tons of parking,” and no parking meters.

“As soon as I found it,” she said, “I knew it was the place.”

And she sounds hopeful that Retropolitan will become as well-known in its new location as it is in Ellicott City. When asked if there was a lot of foot traffic in the area she paused, then laughed: “When I get there, there will be.”

Read more about businesses coming and going in Ellicott City:

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