Meet Mel’s Habitat! Owned and operated by Melanie Rae Buonavolonta, Mel’s Habitat is a resale shop that sells a wide range of items meant to bring you joy and are brought to you with love. Mel’s is the perfect place to find that special gift for mom, the best record to help a grieving friend, or something to make yourself feel good at work or on campus. If you’re looking for a charming and quirky shopping atmosphere, it’s time to make your way to Elm Street and check out Mel’s Habitat.

If you go into Mel’s you’re going to find an array of unique items from vintage records and art, to mid-century furniture to clothing items and even some kitsch-y kitchen items. You’ll also find random trinkets here and there so be sure to take your time and look through everything! Mel’s offers things that you may not necessarily need, but might let you reconnect with something in your past or even bring a spark of joy to your life. Who doesn’t love that? The large selection of items also come at very reasonable prices so you’ll be able to leave happier without spending all of your money.

Mel’s Habitat is a great retail location for those of us that don’t connect with the typical retail experience. In our interview, Mel mentioned that her upbringing with her parents left her with the sentiment that what we do in our day-to-day affects the lives of the people around us and our community and that resonates throughout Mel’s Habitat. The shop is very warm, inviting, and has an easy-going small-town feel to it. All of the items have their own personality as they come from an assortment of very different people. These different personalities, mixed with Mel’s aesthetic goals, make for a very special shop. 

As mentioned earlier, Mel’s Habitat is a resale shop which is great for keeping used items out of the landfill and gives them another chance at a new home. The shop fits in perfectly on Elm Street, which is an experience unto itself. If you’d like more information you can learn more here.

While you’re visiting Elm Street, check out Culturehouse for a delicious roasted coffee and Cultivate Cafe for a locally sourced healthy lunch!