Although the merchandise sold at The Closet is used, anything found there is of the same fashion standard of all other women’s clothing and accessories sold in the store.

"If it doesn’t belong up front, we won’t hang it up in the back," said Holly Taranto, consignment partner of The Closet, which is located in the back of Bruder Hill on Commerce Street in downtown Berlin.

Taranto, who also runs Eastern Shore Golf Magazine with her husband, Ray, is in charge of meeting with customers who wish to sell their high-end clothes and accessories.

As a fan of fashion, Taranto has come to know who the top designers are and uses her knowledge along with a little research to give people a fair price offer.

"We’re being more specific with what we choose now," Taranto said, while referencing the fact that a similar consignment store has existed in the back for two years, but it was not of the standard of how the store operates today.

Shelly Bruder, owner of Bruder Hill, said past employee Debbie Colley came up with the idea to have a consignment room, but it was essentially a small rack area in the back that did not feature a multitude of high-end products as it does now.

With the help of Bruder’s husband, Erick, and parents, Janice and Wollam Bruder, the small room was transformed into a large, vibrant and warm setting filled with colorful displays and great deals.

As a testament to downtown Berlin’s neighborly business relations, Michele Harrington of Oh My Hair! also contributed to the renovation, as well as TaDa owner Patty Falck, who painted The Closet’s logo over the doorway.

"It’s now an extension of Bruder Hill," Bruder said.

Since its grand opening on the first week of October, the closet has seen numerous people bring in items to sell.

Taranto and Bruder wanted to thank those who brought their items in before the grand opening to ensure the store would be stocked as soon as it opened.

In the near future, trunk shows will be held at The Closet, with manufacturers coming in with trunks full of unique clothing and accessories available at a steep discount.

No specific designers or products are guaranteed to be featured in the trunk shows or on the racks of The Closet, as the stock depends on what customers and manufacturers decide to bring.

"You never know what we’ll have stocked," Bruder said.

The Closet, located inside Bruder Hill on 25 Commerce St. is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The store may be open on some Sundays, gearing up for the holiday season.

For more information, call 410-629-1260 or search Bruder Hill Berlin, Maryland on Facebook.