York Road sex shop, Love Ones, has closed its doors, taking down its displays of seasonally-themed lingerie and newspaper-covered windows.
Jamaica Bay gift shop moved into the space previously occupied by Love Ones, 402 York Road, in March, according to store manager Seymour Anson. The new store sells Jamaican-themed apparel and jewelry, as well as Italian ice.
“I figure the Italian ice is one of the main attractions because in the summertime it’s hot,” Anson said. “In the winter we’re going to be doing coffee.”
The owner of Jamaica Bay saw the 402 York Road property was up for rent on Craigslist.
Anson said he did not know who the previous owner of Love Ones was.
Love Ones still has eight Maryland locations and one New York location.
The turnover of storefronts was a welcome change from buildings left unoccupied for extended periods of time, Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, said.
“I’m thrilled it’s not a vacant shop over there,” Hafford said. “The shops on that side of the street are really taking responsibility for their store fronts. That’s the gateway through Towson, and if it looks horrible, it makes our whole community look awful.”
Anson said he has already made connections with Jamaica Bay customers because of the store’s merchandise.
“Since I’ve been in Towson, a lot of people stop in because they see Jamaica Bay and they tell me about their experiences in Jamaica,” he said. “A lot of people in Towson do visit Jamaica, so they have a connection.”
The store will be selling cigarettes, hookahs, hookah tobacco and tobacco pipes in the future.