March 26, 2025

Marblehead’s historic downtown is home to several businesses that have stood the test of time, serving generations of locals and visitors alike. The Arnould Gallery and Framery, Bus Stop, Tory’s Jewelry and O’Ramas have each been part of the community for more than 40 years, adapting to change while maintaining their small-town charm.

Marblehead Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katherine Koch says these businesses have contributed a lot to the community.

“They’re family,” Koch said. 

Over the next several weeks, the Current will feature owners of longtime businesses that have become part of the landscape here in Marblehead. This week: Kathy Bruin, owner of The Bus Stop.

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The Bus Stop, at 85 Washington St., is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Owner Kathy Bruin opened the store and still runs it. She picked the name because it was the spot where people literally used to wait for the bus.

Marriage brought Bruin to the area after three years of teaching in Rochester, New York, and her son grew up just steps from her store. 

“It’s a beautiful place,” she said.

Describe your businesses’ story from foundation to today.

Bruin: The space was half the size, and I was married at the time. My husband and I had friends who were artists. We lived on State Street next to where the King’s Rook was, and this was closed off with a “for rent” sign in the window, and he said, “Let’s rent it.” That’s how it started. It was a lot of consignment then from different artists. I had my sewing machine in here and made baby things, hats and quilts. It was all handmade by different people, and I did a lot of the sewing. At some point my sister lived upstairs, and we made a lot of sundresses. 

It gradually grew. Around 1980, I started going to New York to buy things because it was difficult to sustain with handmade items. You just never got your money back for your effort, and my circumstances changed so I needed more income. I started buying more around ‘86. My landlord wanted to renovate, and he asked if I wanted the whole space. I did. There was a long period of renovation, moving to that side [gestures] then to this side.

How has your business changed over the years?

Bruin: Well, my merchandise has changed. It was a lot hippier. I had Grateful Dead T-shirts, which I never liked, but they were fun to sell. They were all along the wall up here. I think it’s probably aged along with the store. I just have an older clientele now. But a crossover; it’s a style as much as an age, I think. And I have customers that I’ve known through the years that I’ve kind of observed their history and they’ve observed mine, so there’s a lot of connection with people. Which is what a small business generally is about. It’s the people and connection.

What’s your individual specialty/passion, favorite items, or personal achievements?

I have a company, Cut Loose, that I’ve carried for 40 years. They’re based and still made in San Francisco. They’ve gotten pricier because of that, so people are kind of price shocked. That would be one of my favorites. Some of my things that I’ve worn for years and still wear are from that company. I really liked the idea of things made in the United States. But a lot of companies couldn’t afford that, so they’ve gone out of the country. 

I also think just being here this long, the fact that it’s evolved and still is interesting. I would say one of my passions is fabric. I love fabric. I think it’s reflected in bags and hats. When I was a kid, I played with paper dolls with my best friend. We designed clothes. And then, when I was in high school, I thought about going to art school or design school but ended up being a school teacher. 

How have your family, friends, and local community played a part in your story?

Bruin: It’s been very supportive. I think people shopped locally more years ago. There were a lot more businesses that you had to be in every day or every couple days. Not just a store you might go into once a summer or something. But that’s kind of gone away. There used to be a drugstore down here and a sandwich shop here that was wonderful. Just brought people every single day. When my son was little, there were a couple laundromats up there and utilitarian businesses. I just like it. 

What are some favorite moments that have stood out? What challenges have you faced?

Bruin: I think back to 2008. There was a big recession starting, and I remember I could just feel it and being nervous and thinking, “I’ve got to stop thinking about business.” That’s when I started doing yoga, and I finally got the idea of what yoga is about mentally. I think about that, and I still do it. I did it this morning. So, that was like a good thing in a way. And COVID was really unique. I had a lot of banners made that I put out in front of the store. I’d hook them up, encouraging kinds of things, and would come and change the windows a lot. The store wasn’t open, but people were walking, and they’d contact me. “I saw this in your window, and could I get it?” They could go online and look on the website.

And also coming back gradually out of that time. Those masks, and I made masks. Ooh, I hated making masks. It was just weird, strange. I still go to yoga classes. 

What advice would you give aspiring business owners/entrepreneurs?

Bruin: Be flexible, be open, and I definitely think you have to be interested in people to have a small business in a small town. Maybe not in a bigger environment. I’ve always always tried to keep a certain price range. Because If something’s way out of whack, expensive, it doesn’t sell easily, and I wanted quality for a price. But at a certain price, not too much, not too little. 

What else should people know about you and your business? Why visit?

Bruin: I’d say it’s unique. And the chances of coming in and seeing something that appeals to you, that’s unique, are still good. I think our service is good. 

How do you view success? What’s next?

Bruin: At this point, it feels like this is what I could do, and it’s gone well. And I’m pleased with that. I could have stayed teaching, but I didn’t want to. It’s kind of amazing to me that it’s evolved and gone this long. I own the building, so I have options with it. I would consider that part of the success. I was able to buy it in 2005, and that actually feels really powerful to me. For some reason, I love this little building. And I like to think it’s part of history. Because it’s been here since 18 something, and Bus Stop’s been part of it. 

Jewel Farrin is a student at Endicott College studying journalism.

They’re still here: Marblehead’s longest-standing businesses