Kelly’s Klothing is rising from the ashes following a massive downtown fire that destroyed the building on Jan. 21.
Owner Kelly Dominelli, who had built the store into a beloved local fixture over almost 30 years of business, announced the reopening in a heartfelt Facebook post on Thursday, confirming the business will continue under new leadership at a new location, 21 Matchedash St. S., Unit 108.
In an interview with OrilliaMatters, Dominelli described the moment when she first heard about the fire while in Florida for a golf tournament.
“My daughter called me and said, ‘Don’t panic, mom. There’s a fire at the back of your building.’ At first, I thought it would just be smoke damage," she explained. "But an hour later, my husband told me, ‘It’s not good… it looks like it’s through the roof.’”
The devastation was immediate and overwhelming. The landmark building at the corner of Mississaga and Peter streets was completely destroyed and has since been demolished.
“I just started crying when I saw it,” Dominelli admitted. “It was something that was taken away from me ... I loved my business. It was never a job for me; it was always a fun place to hang out.”
She said she was proud that Kelly’s Klothing was known for its carefully curated selection of ladies’ fashion, attracting a loyal customer base from near and far.
"We had people coming in from Toronto, boaters who would visit every weekend, and longtime customers from my previous retail experience,” Dominelli said. “It was a huge following.”
Following the fire, an outpouring of support from customers flooded in, which Dominelli says was "truly touching."
“I must have had a million messages. I’d read them and just cried my head off,” she shared. “It’s been very emotional, but also very nice to feel that support.”
Dominelli has decided to retire.
"I can honestly say that it has been a very tough decision as it has been a part of my heart," she said of the downtown store.
However, Kelly’s Klothing will live on and will officially reopen under the leadership of longtime employee Sara Strong.
In her Facebook post, Dominelli praised Strong for her passion for the community, customers, and clothing.
"I want to thank Sara for keeping the Kelly’s Klothing name," she stated. "I have no doubt that Sara will do an amazing job."
Dominelli won’t be stepping away entirely — she will continue working alongside Strong and another fellow employee, ensuring the Kelly’s Klothing experience remains as familiar as ever.
“When you come to Kelly’s, you will see the same faces,” she assured customers.
The announcement also included welcome news for those with outstanding credit notes and gift cards — these will still be honoured at the new location.
“Now that we have our ducks in a row, we can announce the opening," Dominelli said. "Pop in and see the amazing inventory (Sara) has to offer as soon as she opens."
An official opening date has not yet been determined.