A beloved Del Ray store is closing this fall.
The owner of Bellies & Babies announced that the Del Ray maternity, baby and consignment store is closing. The store is at 1913 Mt. Vernon Ave. and was started by Dawn Luepke in 2014.
The current owner, Lee Raynes, purchased the business in 2019 and is hoping a buyer for the business will come forward.
The following is a message the owner posted on the store’s website:
“I want to share some important news about Bellies & Babies. After five meaningful years, it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that I will not be renewing my lease for the store in December. We had no idea what we were in for when we started the Bellies and Babies adventure leading into the pandemic, but through it all it has been an incredible journey and I am so proud of everything we have accomplished as a store and, more importantly, as a member of this amazing community.
Unfortunately, the future of Bellies & Babies is uncertain. I am hopeful that someone may step forward and take over the business with fresh energy and a continued commitment to being a resource for all of our new and established Del Ray families. If we do not find a buyer, we will make plans to sell the remaining inventory and close the store.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all my consigners, customers and the Del Ray community for the love and support you’ve shown over the years. You all welcomed me with open arms and being a part of so many families’ journeys has enriched my life in ways I cannot put into words. I took over ownership of Bellies and Babies in January 2020 and it has been a wild ride. So much joy but also so many life-changing events, some of which have been challenges that none of us could have known.
This is a community that shows up for each other in the joyous times as well as the tough times. I know your support, love and friendship has changed me in so many ways and I do hope that we are able to find a new visionary to take on the next evolution of Bellies and Babies.”