GREENVILLE — After more than 16 years in business, a local specialty apparel shop for women in downtown Greenville is closing its doors.
Pamela Spitler, owner of Pamela’s Intimates, 534 South Broadway, announced the closure of her business on December 13. The store will close permanently on December 24 at 2 p.m.
“We’re no longer taking specialty orders. Everything must go,” said Spitler, noting that the shop’s remaining inventory is available for 50- to 75-percent off retail prices.
Pamela’s Intimates, which offers custom-fitted bras, lingerie, swimsuits, and maternity products, among other items, first opened in August 1999.
“We were across the street for the first eight years, and then moved here eight-and-a-half years ago,” Spitler said.
Spitler is certified as a Mastectomy Fitter with the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, a certification process that takes many years to complete. Her training and experience in bra fitting provided women in the area with someone able to understand and cater to their specific needs.
As such, Pamela’s closure will leave a huge void in the region, according to Spitler.
“This is the only place like this from Columbus to Cincinnati to Toledo to Indianapolis,” she said. “Nobody else closeby offers what we do here.”
One person who will miss Spitler’s specialized service is Dawn Dunaway of Troy, Ohio, who was shopping in the store Tuesday. Dunaway said she has been a Pamela’s customer since 2008.
“I first saw her after a surgery and she fit me,” said Dunaway. “I’m not sure where to go now. I don’t want to go that far.”
She added, “I’m going to miss coming here and the personal touch that these girls add.”
Spitler’s feelings towards her clients are mutual.
“Right now we have 5,600 customers,” she said. “My customers are my friends and I’m going to miss them.”
As for future plans, Spitler says she plans to devote more time to family interests, as well as retaining her involvement in civic affairs, such as serving on the Greenville City Planning and Zoning Commission and the Architecture Review Board, among other pursuits.
Through December 24, Pamela’s hours of operation are Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Spitler says the 3,000-square-foot property will be available for sale or rent. For more information, call the shop at 937-547-1144.
