For nearly 70 years, Miriam Switching Post has been a staple in St. Louis’ resale market, offering upscale furniture, home decor, collectibles, art, and jewelry. Driven by donations and volunteers, the shop’s profits provide financial assistance to families who attend Miriam School, a school for students with learning differences. 

The Miriam Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to close the shop, due to rising costs and decreasing profits. The Switching Post will be on hiatus, as Miriam reimagines the shop and how to best integrate it with its mission of empowering unique learners.

The last day of operation at the current shop will be November 1, 2025, and the last day for donation collection will be October 4. Farewell sales will begin in mid-October. This ending will come with lots of celebration - both of the shop’s history and of our passionate volunteers throughout the years. 

This decision was not made lightly, said Meg Bamford, head of Miriam School and Learning Center. “After many heartfelt discussions and a thorough review of our financial projections, we’ve reached a difficult but necessary conclusion: The cost of doing business at the Switching Post — in our current model and venue — now exceeds the revenue we’re able to generate. As a result, we are no longer able to keep the doors open in a sustainable way.”

This is not the end of the Switching Post’s story, Bamford said. It is simply a new chapter. 

“We are incredibly proud of what the Switching Post has meant to Miriam and to the broader community. And we are actively exploring ways to reimagine what’s next — whether that’s a new model, a new space, or a fresh vision inspired by the same heart and purpose.”

The landlord for its current space at 292 Hanley Industrial Court alerted Miriam earlier in the year that the cost of the lease would increase by 40 percent in January 2026, which would have been the start of a new contract. The shop had already been seeing decreasing revenues, and weathering this increase was simply not possible.

“We know we have many long-time, regular shoppers at the Switching Post, and we want them to know how grateful we are for their dedication and support. We are also extraordinarily thankful to have such passionate volunteers who have devoted their time, talents and energy,” Bamford said. “We hope to stay in touch with our amazing community as we determine the best mission-driven and cost-efficient way to reopen the shop.”

Susie Luten, past board president and long-time board member, said she is sad to see the Switching Post close, but she believes the board is making the right decision. Luten has been involved with Miriam her entire life, as the great-granddaughter of Miriam founder, Fannie Landau, and the daughter of another Miriam leader, Margie Frank.

"Some of my earliest memories are tagging along with my mom to the Switching Post as she volunteered her time and heart. As a past president of Miriam, she believed deeply in the school’s mission and in helping students access the services they needed,” Luten said. “While the store once played a critical role in that, I also recognize that times have changed — and sometimes, the most mission-driven thing we can do is pause, reflect, and realign. I fully support the board’s thoughtful decision to reimagine the Switching Post, and I look forward to what comes next." 

We have established the Switching Post Scholarship & Innovation Fund to allow for donations in honor of the legacy of the shop, and to continue to raise money for financial aid and future innovative programming, which could include a new model inspired by the resale shop. Anyone who would like to contribute can find the donation form here: miriamstl.org/msp-fund.