Local mother/daughter owned business to close on June 10, 2018

SELAH on Piedmont, a locally-owned business, will close its Oakland brick and mortar store on June 10, 2018. Walking into the store is entering into eclectic nostalgia; Johnny Cash’s melodies murmur in the air, brightly colored parasols hover from the ceiling, while go-go boots and saddle shoes adorn the side wall. This go-to shop for vintage, rockabilly, and pin-up fashion struggled with increasing rents and competition from online retailing.

The store carries a large selection of alternative clothing for men and women from extra small to plus sizes, as well as one-of-a-kind gifts by local designers and suppliers. Co-owner, Selah Petty says, “I was inspired to open my store to sell a style of clothing looks great on any body type, is sexy yet modest, at an affordable price so everyone would be able to dress in the style they wanted.” Customers agree that SELAH on Piedmont gave them a shopping experience they couldn’t find elsewhere. Kate Jones, a frequent customer said, “When I visited the store, I felt that I was walking into a community and walking out feeling beautiful. They gave this neighborhood something unique that can not be reproduced by Internet shopping."

The owners created a strong sense of community for their customers and partners, often participating in local events including the San Jose Punk Rock Flea Market and Burger Boogaloo. Mom’s Metta Balm was thrilled to be a vendor and partner of SELAH on Piedmont. Owner, Stephanie Tate said, “With a full line of vintage and punk wear for guys and dolls it’s the perfect compliment to Mom’s line of organic handcrafted skincare. Selah’s eye for great retro styles is absolutely drool worthy. It’s such a loss to see it go.” The store often partnered with Mom’s Metta Balm and Stitches Custom Hats for events and in-store sales.

Selah Glassman, Tanya Jansen, Stephanie Tate, and Nick Valatkas at the San Jose Punk Rock Flea Market

They plan to continue to do business online and hope that they brought something special to Piedmont Avenue. Store employee, Tabitha Jansen said, “I loved coming to work because I got to help people put together a truly unique look that they would scramble to find online or anywhere else in Oakland.”

SELAH on Piedmont employees - Tabitha Jansen and Steve Di Ciucci

Almost all regularly merchandise will be sold at a 40% discount until the store closes.