Simply...Just Because Now Open In Bowie

Bowie shoppers looking for new and gently used items have a new shop to haunt with the recent opening of Simply...Just Because at 6772 Race Track Rd. in the rear of Hilltop Plaza.

Store owner and manager Annette Rease ran a trash company in Hyattsville for several years before being laid off in 2009. She spent a few years at home caring for a relative but was eager to get back to work.

“I was laid off because of the economy, and I wanted to work so I made a job,” said Rease.

The shop offers new and gently used clothing, accessories, shoes and even some wedding dresses. Rease gets new items from two wholesalers and used items come from family and friends who have donated them and from consignment customers.

Prior to opening her store, Rease did some tinkering in online sales, but she missed human interactions.

“I decided to go find a shop because I like working with people,” she said.

Customers can consign items at Simply...Just Because by making an appointment and paying a $10 fee. All consignment sales are split 50/50 with the shop. Rease is looking for shoes, jewelry and clothing to consign that is in good condition—nothing too “thrifty.”

Rease said her biggest challenge is foot traffic. Because of the store’s location in rear of the Hilltop Plaza, people don’t know that her store is there. However, she said that the neighboring stores and hair salon have been very welcoming and send business her way.

The other consignment shops in Bowie have also been welcoming to Rease, and she hopes together with them to support each others’ businesses.

“If I don’t have something someone is looking for, I will call them,” said Rease, referring to other consignment shops in the area, who do the same for her.

Though she’s been in business less than two weeks, Rease said opening the store went so smoothly that she’s feeling optimistic about the future.

“I feel confident that we will succeed,” Rease said.

Simply...Just Because also has an online component at www.simply-just-because.com with an expanded inventory. The store’s seasonal hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Customers should call 301-464-8900 to confirm hours.