A women’s clothing and accessories boutique will close its State College storefront as it shifts its focus, for now, to online and event sales.
By A Thread will vacate its space 1341 S. Atherton St. by July 1, owner Emily Boone wrote in a social media post on Sunday.
“The uncertainty of committing to another long-term lease while also stepping into a season of wanting to grow our family made me take a hard look at what makes the most sense for our future — both personally and professionally,” Boone wrote. “So after a lot of thought, hard conversations, and reflection, I’ve made the decision to step away from our current storefront and focus on the next chapter of By A Thread.”
Boone also indicated that she plans for the boutique to have a physical store again sometime in the future.
“While we’ll be continuing online and event focused, this isn’t goodbye to a storefront forever — just goodbye to this one,” she wrote. “When the right opportunity and right fit come along, I’d love to welcome you into a space again.”
By A Thread’s first location opened in 2020 on High Street in Bellefonte and later moved to West Bishop Street. In 2024, Boone moved the shop to its location in the plaza on South Atherton Street, saying at the time that the State College storefront provided more space and visibility, as well as easier access and parking for customers.
In addition to a selection of clothing and accessories that prioritizes quality over quantity, By A Thread has offered a pour-your-own candle bar and has hosted workshops, in-store events and pop-ups with other small businesses.
“This decision carries a lot of emotion because this space held so much more than clothing,” Boone wrote. “It held conversations, events, laughter, hard seasons, celebrations, friendships, and community. It became a place that so many of you made meaningful — not just for me, but for each other too.
“I want to be clear — while this chapter is ending, By A Thread is not. I truly believe we’re simply finding a fit that makes more sense for where we are now and where we hope to go next.”
By A Thread will be the second business to leave the 1341 S. Atherton St. plaza in a month. My Beyond Looks Hair Salon moved effective Monday to 105 S. Pugh St. in downtown State College, where it is teaming up with Badger and Hound Barber Company
