Ruth Shaw, a women’s designer clothing boutique located in Baltimore County for the past eight years, will return to its original home at The Village of Cross Keys in early April.
“We are going back to where Ruth Shaw opened her original boutique over 51 years ago,” co-owner Ray Mitchener announced on Monday. “Cross Keys anchors Baltimore’s best shopping district — the Falls Road corridor — and there is simply no other place that provides the atmosphere, location and complementary businesses that our discerning customers demand.”
“There is no place like home,” said co-owner Brian Comes, in a statement. “We look forward to getting back to our roots and being in the heart of the Baltimore community where our customers will enjoy the beautiful environment, upscale restaurants, and other shops and amenities available at the recently renovated Village Shops at Cross Keys.”
Ruth Shaw will move into the space vacated last year by The Store Ltd., the business that jewelry designer Betty Cooke opened in Cross Keys in 1965 with her husband William Steinmetz. The Store Ltd. closed after Cooke passed away last August at age 100. Cooke was the last of the original merchants at Cross Keys, whose retail section opened in 1965 as part of developer James Rouse’s mixed-use community off the 5100 block of Falls Road.
Caves Valley Partners now owns the retail and office portions of the community and has been working to revitalize it by bringing in new stores, restaurants, residences and office tenants. Last month, it joined Questar Properties to break ground on a $130 million, 331-unit luxury apartment building called Sanctuary at Cross Keys.
Ruth Shaw opened at Cross Keys in 1973 and gained a reputation as the only store in Baltimore to carry designer brands such as Another Tomorrow, Aquazzura; Golden Goose; Jenni Kayne; La Double J; Zimmerman and many others. In 2017, it moved to The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, leaving its home in the city. It is not planning to keep its Towson location after the move.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ruth Shaw back home to Cross Keys,” said Caves Valley Partners principal Arsh Mirmiran, in a statement. “Ray and Brian operate Baltimore’s highest-end women’s clothing boutique, and we are thrilled we were able to finalize a lease to bring them home, where they will be a perfect fit for our positively evolving tenant mix.”
The store is named after founder Ruth Shaw, who died in 2024 at age 96. She and her successors filled it with fashions by designers from around the world, and the business has received numerous accolades over the years. Elle magazine named it Maryland’s best boutique in its “50 States of Shopping” feature. USA Today put it on its ‘Top 10 Best List.’ Harper’s Bazaar called the “the fashion destination for Maryland.” It was a perennial winner in Baltimore magazine’s Best of Baltimore issue.
“We are proud to be part of the Ruth Shaw family, and so excited to join you in your venture back home — where you belong,” said designer Dorothee Shumacher, whose line is part of the Ruth Shaw collection. “Your store is a testament to your impeccable taste and unique instincts, making everyone who enters feel truly appreciated.”
“Congratulations to Ruth Shaw on over 50 remarkable years in the fashion industry,” said Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard of the Veronica Beard brand. “We are deeply grateful for your early support and faith in Veronica Beard. We look forward to seeing how you continue to shape the fashion landscape.”
Over the years, Ruth Shaw has developed a devoted clientele attracted by its focus on customer service and careful selection of apparel and accessories curated to each customer’s individual style and needs.
“Maryland has many gems,” said Dawn Moore, the First Lady of Maryland, in a statement. “One I found many years ago is Ruth Shaw! I always feel confident and fabulous when I’m in Ruth Shaw fashions. I can’t wait to see you at Cross Keys.”
“Ruth Shaw provides an unparalleled shopping experience,” said Ashley Hatter, long-time customer of Ruth Shaw. “Whether looking for a special occasion ensemble or for everyday casual, the staff is so helpful. I can always rely on Tobi and Ray to help me select beautiful pieces that I will wear for years to come.”
“I’ve been shopping at Ruth Shaw for almost 25 years,” said customer Beth Devilliers. “I still wear the first dress that I bought there. Ray and his team cultivate looks that are current and lasting. He has taught me a lot about fashion, and I feel so fortunate to have a slice of New York right here in Baltimore. I’m so appreciative of their store. I do not know what I would do without them.”
