Fields of Pikesville To Close After 120 Years

This year, Fields of Pikesville has seen it's final Memorial Day.

And after Labor Day, the store will be no more, said owner and general manager Jeff Levin.

"We've seen a pattern of diminishing sales and a real dropoff the last three months," he told Pikesville Patch Thursday afternoon. There was "insufficient business to stay open."

The store is now selling down its merchandise, Jeff Levin said. Employees were notified Tuesday and customers began hearing about it on Wednesday.

The store has been owned by Levin's family since 1946. Before that, it was run by the Fields family, from the time it opened in 1892.

"Fields has been here for 120 years. We've weathered quite a few things, but we couldn't weather this," he said. "It's not something we voluntarily chose to do."

He and his wife Daniela Levin run the store. Levin's mother, who is 93, is retired, but still comes in to the store.

"We are thankful that we've been allowed to serve the people of Pikesville for as long as we've had," he said. "It's been a good run."

The longtime Pikesville institution began as a soda fountain and pharmacy, but recently it's been known for two things: its cafe and makeup counter.

It opened in 1892 and pharmacist Norman Levin took over in 1946. Today, his son Jeff runs the store, selling everything from greeting cards and gifts to hosiery, but there is no pharmacy.

The spa services include facials and antiaging treatments. The store is also well-known for perfumes and hard-to-find cosmetics.

Jeff Levin wouldn't say how many employees work at Fields.

But he did say that he'll be looking for a job soon. He's not sure, however, where that will be, or what kind of job.

"When the time comes, we will pursue them," he said of his future job prospects.

Store hours are:

Monday—9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday—9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday—9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday—9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday—9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday—9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

How do you feel about the store closing? What are your memories of the store?