Mark Showell Interiors’ last day in Rehoboth Beach is June 24
After 30 years on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, Mark Showell Interiors will be closing its doors Saturday, June 24.
“It’s been a good run and it wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s my time,” said Showell, in an interview June 20. “I’ve been doing this for 50 years and running my business for 30. I want to have time to travel and do some of the things I want to do.”
The closing of the store isn’t a surprise. There have been retirement sale signs hanging on the windows since last fall, with the percentage off of merchandise slowly rising from 30% to 40% to 50% to what is now 60%. Recently, signs were added to the windows announcing the official closing date.
“I’ve met a lot of beautiful people over the years and I still love beautiful things,” said Showell, adding that many of his clients have been clients for a long time. “It will be hard not to see them anymore.”
In addition to spending time traveling, Showell said it’s hard to do business in a world that’s obsessed with everything being ordered by mail. People come in and scan things with their phones to see if they can find it for a few dollars cheaper online or somewhere else, he said.
“The taste of the world these days is for mail-ordered things,” he said.
Showell’s family roots run deep on the Delmarva Peninsula – his family has been in the area since 1610, and he grew up in a house that was built in the 18th century. He said he’s always had a taste for antiques and other fine things.
Over the years, Showell has had clients up and down the East Coast and other parts of the country. He’s traveled the world looking for fine antiques and furniture for his clients, but a health scare this past winter really put things into perspective.
“When you’re knocking on death’s door, it really makes you think twice about how to spend the rest of your life,” he said.
In addition to closing the store, Showell is also selling the one-story building that sits on the corner of Baltimore Avenue and Second Street. Showell said when he purchased the building, he had visions of adding two stories and living above, but he found a house nearby and that never happened. This would make a great location for a restaurant, he said.
Looking forward, Showell said he will still be operating his location in Berlin, Md., and taking clients on an as-needed basis.
“It’s sad, but I’ll still be around,” he said.
For more information on Mark Showell Interiors, 59 Baltimore Ave., call 302-227-2272 or go to markshowellinteriors.com. The store in Berlin, Md., is located at 22 William St.
