Former DOJ Attorney Opens Consignment Shop in Hyattsville

A former civil rights attorney has opened a consignment shop in Hyattsville.

Erin Meehan Richmond, who spent 24 years with the Department of Justice, recently opened De Novo at 5101 Baltimore Ave., in the triangle-shaped building south of Franklins.

It focuses on a curated assortment of everyday women’s clothing both contemporary and classic, along with shoes, handbags and offerings from local artisans.

During her tenure at the DOJ, Richmond served as a senior trial attorney where she focused on litigating and investigating claims involving housing and sexual harassment.

After leaving the DOJ in September, she wrote that she spent a lot of time thinking about what she wanted to do next before settling on a secondhand clothing shop. She chose the name De Novo from a Latin legal term meaning “anew.”

“What ended up making me most excited was the idea of building something from the ground up that was more hands-on, community-centered, and earth-friendly,” she wrote on LinkedIn. “De Novo will offer a curated mix of women’s clothing and accessories — giving beautiful pieces a second life while making sustainable shopping feel welcoming and fun.”

The store is located at 5101 Baltimore Ave. in the triangle-shaped building south of Franklins. In addition to its retail offerings, the store operates on a commission basis, accepting clothing from customers to sell on their behalf.

Help the Wire grow in 2026!
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.