Hollies Moves to New Avenues in Barrington

Hollies has opened on a new avenue in Barrington.

Actually, Hollies on the Avenue has relocated to the corner of two avenues, Anoka and Wood, in the new Coastal Commons mixed-use complex at 8-10 Anoka Avenue.

Owner Holly Smith reopened in her new location on Tuesday, Sept. 3, after spending about nine years on Maple Avenue. 

“I always wanted to get into bigger accessory items,” Smith said. “I can do that now.” 

Smith describes her business as a “life-style store” that has “a little bit of something for everyone” looking for gifts for the home, weddings and birthdays.

“I think they can find unusual things you can’t find anywhere else,” she said. “I’m not your every-day gift shop.”

Among the bigger accessory items are things such as bar carts, lamps, picture frames, side tables, wicker chairs, and home accents – like a 1939 replica of the Queen Mary cruise ship, complete with a paper layout of the ship and tiny lifeboats.

“I still have clothes and jewelry,” said the co-president of the Barrington Business Association.

Smith has fallen in love with her new location already.

“It’s fresher and cleaner,” she said. “I like having neighbors. And I’m a little more accessible and visible.” 

The hours for Hollies on the Avenue will remain the same, Smith said: 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. And the Barrington native still plans to staff the store like she always has.

“It’s always been me, myself and I,” Smith said of Hollies on the Avenue.

Except now the shop is located on two new avenues.