After being open for just more than a year, Rehab Vintage in downtown Kent is closing its doors Oct. 3.

The thrift store, which offers gently used clothing, is relocating to South Carolina. Owner Jessica Wheeler is moving to Foley Beach, where she plans to reopen and start fresh.

Wheeler said her motivation to relocate was not a financial one, but one of love. She said she’s found “the one,” and that’s why she’s moving.

“My experience here was absolutely amazing, and I am sad that I can’t just shift the people and operation with me,” she said.

Rehab Vintage, part of Ron Burbick’s $6.5 million Acorn Alley project, will be replaced by My Little Red Wagon sometime around Oct. 10. The toy store is Off the Wagon’s Stow location.

Burbick said there are plans to renovate the space vacated by Rehab Vintage, which is next to Off the Wagon in downtown Kent. Workers from the Burbick Foundation will tear down an inside wall to connect the two toy stores.

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After the holiday season, Burbick said workers will completely gut the store to create a cohesive business space between the shops.

Rehab Vintage faces Main Street, adjacent to the entryway of Acorn Alley.

Opening in August 2009, the store specializes in vintage trends and redesigned pieces. Rehab Vintage also hosted monthly art shows and music festivals in Acorn Alley.

Skyla McGee, junior fine arts major, has only been to Rehab Vintage twice and just learned of their closing. McGee said she doesn’t shop there often because she thinks the clothes are overpriced.

“I’m a poor college student,” she said.

Kayla Zupsic, senior fashion merchandising major, said, “I’ve never even heard of it.”

Burbick said a person has shown interest in purchasing Wheeler’s inventory, but he would not divulge any more information since the arrangement is incomplete.

Until Oct. 3, Rehab Vintage is offering discounted prices up to 50 percent off. Their new hours are Monday through Friday from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Contact Laura Lofgren at [email protected] and Ryan Young at [email protected].