Bellies & Babies owner wants to sell the Del Ray business or close in two months

After 10 years in Del Ray, the Bellies & Babies consignment boutique could soon close for good. That is unless owner Lee Raynes can find a buyer in the next two months.

Raynes didn’t renew the lease for the shop at 1913 Mount Vernon Avenue, and said that a potential buyer recently backed out after a six-month negotiation. The move means that unless Raynes can find someone to buy her brand and take all of the store merchandise off her hands, the store’s last day is Dec. 15.

“What comes of Bellies & Babies is still unclear at this time,” Raynes told ALXnow. “Someone with new energy and vision would be the perfect fit for Bellies & Babies. I look forward to what’s next for our community and my role in it.”

In the meantime, Raynes will be selling her high-end gear for young families at highly discounted rates. That includes strollers, toys, maternity and kids clothes and much, much more.

Raynes bought the business from its previous owner and reopened just two months before the pandemic in March 2020.

“This is a community that shows up for each other in the joyous times as well as the tough times,” Raynes said. “This chapter has changed me as a person, and I never would’ve survived it without the kindness and support of the Del Ray community.”