Hope's Chest Closure Is 'Bittersweet'

Beloved Berkley boutique soon will be closing its doors, but fans of owner Pamela Primak can take comfort in the fact that she'll be sticking around town.

Once Hope's Chest closes — on a yet-to-be-determined date — Primak will take on a role with in Berkley; meanwhile, she is holding a going-out-of-business sale.

All Hope's Chest merchandise, except what's offered on consignment, is 50 percent off until most of the store's stock is sold. The boutique offers jewelry, handbags, hats, scarves, belts, hosiery, coats and more.

On Wednesday, store patron Beth Gourley of Ann Arbor picked up a pair of gold earrings for a bridesmaid in her August wedding, along with some whimsical thank you cards.

"I love the store," said Gourley, whose sister Annie Lynch of Royal Oak is a former Berkley resident and wanted her to shop at Hope's Chest before it closes. "It seems like it's really a cute addition to this community. We really love Berkley."

When most of the inventory is gone, Primak plans to sell the boutique's fixtures and props. She encourages those who are interested to stop by the store and see what she has to offer before putting their name on the list to snap up the items; others may call 248-439-0425 to express interest.

"I have the best customers, truly," Primak said of the business, which has been open approximately two years. "It is very bittersweet."

But Primak said she has missed working in a collaborative environment where there's always someone around to bounce ideas off.

"Sometimes, you just have to follow your gut, and I know this is right," Primak said.

When Hope's Chest closes, she'll handle publicity and merchandising for America's Stamp Stop, which trades in stamps, coins, antiques, artwork, World War II memorabilia, toys, pinups, movie posters and more.

"We're always excited for more help and someone who's very capable, good with customers and detail-oriented," America's Stamp Stop owner Todd Schaefer said.

"Everybody's sorry to see her go, but the economy's been such that (Hope's Chest is) not frequented," said Schaefer, whose business occupied the space where Hope's Chest is located before it moved to a new, larger location farther west on 12 Mile Road.

Schaefer said the Hope's Chest space, which is approximately 800 square feet, will go on the market for sale or lease. Potential tenants should call Keller Williams Realty at 248-882-5953 for more information, Schaefer said.

Meanwhile, Primak is keeping a positive attitude.

"It was great. I don't regret any of it," she said. "I think it's all skill-building. It's all things you take with you to your next experience."

Visit America's Stamp Stop on Facebook.