Two centuries ago, shoppers looking for something to wear in Beaver were limited mostly to pelts of the buck-toothed mammal that gave the borough its name.

Today, Third Street is a sweet spot for shops that sell clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes and more. Here are a few you won’t want to miss next time your travels take you to the seat of Beaver County.

Split Personality Consignment

If words like cluttered, shabby or musky come to mind when you think of a second-hand store, then you haven’t been to Split Personality Consignment, sandwiched between restaurants along Third Street. 

“Customers are in awe when they come in,” says owner Cindy Split (yes, the store’s moniker is a nod to her surname). 

Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and there are sections for home furnishings, formal attire (think prom and homecoming gowns), high-end accessories and everyday apparel. It’s not unusual to come across a Louis Vuitton or Coach handbag in mint condition in the store’s ever-changing inventory. Many items are a third- to half-off retail price, and pieces are marked down more the longer they’re in the store. Those who consigned the items receive a portion of the purchase price.

“For consignors, things have to be in near-perfect, if not brand-new condition when we get them in,” says Ms. Split, adding that the store has amassed a pool of nearly 5,000 consignors from across the region. “We can be picky and we are picky.”

It’s a Christian-owned and -operated store, which means you’ll probably hear spiritual music playing on the radio. Shoppers are welcome to add a request to the prayer box, too.

The store stands out for its range of sizes — 00 through 5X. — and offers on-site alterations (even for apparel not purchased in the store). Ms. Split holds in-shop parties called ladies’ nights so groups can reserve the space for special shopping events. 

Ms. Split took over the store, formerly called Pretty Woman, about five years ago. On a whim, she asked the store’s owner if she had ever considered selling and, to her surprise, found that she was.

“I love doing this, and I would say my employees all love this, too,” she says. “The best part is when you have someone come in and they try on a prom dress, and they are in tears because it looks amazing, they’re spending a fraction of the price and are able to walk out looking like a million bucks.”

524 Third St., Beaver. Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Miller’s Shoes

When you pick out footwear at Miller’s, you’re buying not just shoes but a piece of history.

The store, originally located in Sewickley, traces its roots to 1873. Current owners Dominique and Paul Palombo bought the business in 1990 and relocated it to Aliquippa. Its second location, in the heart of Beaver’s business district, opened in 2014.

Miller’s Shoes prides itself on stocking brands that can sometimes be tough to find. Some popular ones are SAS Shoes, Dansko, Birkenstock, New Balance, ECCO, Haflinger and NAOT. 

“I know my customers,” Ms. Palombo says. “We talk. It’s a bit old-fashioned in that respect.”

Though the store is a newcomer, its owners feel as though Miller’s Shoes has been embraced in Beaver.

“These customers, they shop in their town. They don’t want these [small businesses] to close,” Ms. Palombo says. “I know all my neighbors here. We’re all close. We all talk. There’s not a day I regret coming here.”

476 Third St., Beaver. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.

Wildwood Boutique

During regular trips down South to visit family, Danielle Trent noticed something she felt was missing back home -— a trendy boutique with a kiss of country flair. 

Along with her mom, Carol Kampian, she opened Wildwood Boutique to fill the void. These days, the shop is a little less country, a little bit more trend-oriented. For fall, keep an eye out for pretty printed kimonos, off-the-shoulder tunics and anything with ruffles. The store carries bags, shoes and accessories as well.

Wildwood also is a go-to for grabbing a bargain. It’s not unusual to find a pair of shoes priced at $45 that would cost $65 at another store. 

“We price everything as low as we possibly we can, so we don’t run sales” beyond the store’s annual anniversary event, Ms. Kampian says. 

In the nearly three years since it has opened, they’ve seen a variety of shoppers, from mothers with daughters to women in their 70s. The boutique is a regular stop for a day of shopping or an afternoon stroll. 

“The majority of [customers] are regulars from Beaver. You could spend a whole day here, with all of the restaurants and shops,” Ms. Kampian says. “Beaver is a very, very nice town.”

618 Third St., Beaver. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.

More places to shop for apparel and accessories

• RESTYLE, 576 Third St.: Consignment shop for designer finds including jewelry, clothes and more.

• Shirley Shoppe, 659 Third St.: Longtime women’s clothing store.

• Ribbon, 971 Third St.: Bridal salon and special-occasion selections.

• Sieger’s Jewelers, 489 Third St.: Family-owned and -operated fine jewelry store.

Sara Bauknecht: sbauknecht@post-gazette.com or on Twitter and Instagram @SaraB_PG.

First Published: August 30, 2018, 12:00 p.m.