Aspinwall, PA – After a decade in business, Dovecote, the beloved boutique specializing in vintage-inspired items and antiques, is relocating to Verona. The decision comes after the building at 20 Brilliant Ave. in Aspinwall, where the store has been for years, was put on the market.
Jessica Rehling Vukmir, owner of Dovecote, explained that the news of the property’s sale was the catalyst for her decision to move. “Once I found out the building was for sale, I felt in my gut the right thing was to move on,” Vukmir, who lives in O’Hara, said. “I cried for months even considering closing or moving our Aspinwall location. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that letting go of something you love is sometimes the only way to move forward.”
The property, listed at $1.3 million, also includes a nearby residence. Harold Sankey, property manager at Fox Chapel Real Estate, confirmed that there has been interest from potential tenants, including someone looking to open a nail salon.
Dovecote, known for its eclectic selection of gifts, antiques, and vintage-inspired home décor, is moving to the E.N. Miller Antique Mall at 615 E. Railroad Ave. in Verona. The new location features more than 100 vendors across 25,000 square feet of space. “We’re so excited to meet Jessica. She is so knowledgeable, and I think she will do well here,” said Natalie Miller, daughter of the mall’s owners, Susan and Brian Miller. Business at Miller’s has already seen a 19% increase since last year, with younger shoppers driving growth in furniture and higher-ticket sales.
As employees work to relocate merchandise, Dovecote is planning to vacate its Aspinwall location by the end of March. Vukmir expressed gratitude to her loyal customers and the Aspinwall community for their support over the years. “Having that sweet little spot in Aspinwall for 10 years made me think I may never leave,” she said. “I want to thank all of my dear customers, neighbors, and supporters who’ve been there with us through so many times and kept us going during COVID and made us stronger in the end. We hope to see you all across the street at Nouveau and in Verona.”
In addition to Dovecote, Vukmir owns Nouveau Designer Consignment, located across the street at 21 Brilliant Ave. in Aspinwall. The second business will remain open without any changes.
Dovecote is currently hosting a storewide sale, offering discounts of 25% to 50% as part of the store’s final days in Aspinwall.
Aspinwall Councilman Lou Curcio expressed his sadness at the boutique’s departure. “It’s always sad to see such an Aspinwall staple leave town,” Curcio said. “They were a big part of the Brilliant Ave. business district.”
