‘The O’ relocation to Kent Island is complete
By Kristen Hampshire

Lifestyle boutique Ophiuroidea’s move gives owner Kim Hannon room to evolve the customer experience.

After years building a loyal following in St. Michaels, Maryland, and later expanding into Kent Narrows, Kim Hannon is entering a new phase for Ophiuroidea, known as The O.


The coastal lifestyle boutique has relocated to Bay Manor Apartments and Shops on Pier 1 Road in Stevensville, Maryland. This larger Kent Island destination gives Hannon more room to grow merchandise categories, spotlight local makers and host events.




Hannon first opened The O in 2009 in St. Michaels, then opened the Kent Narrows location in 2019. She closed the St. Michaels store two years ago to focus fully on expanding her presence closer to home on Kent Island.
“I opened up in the Kent Island area because I live close by,” Hannon says. “It was a great opportunity to live and work in my community.”



That proximity has sharpened her focus on year-round customers while still serving the area’s steady visitor traffic. “I’m constantly thinking about what the locals would like that is unique that they can’t find anywhere else,” she says.



‘O’ exclusives




The new shop has more space to showcase unique and giftable items.


Known for sea glass jewelry, coastal art and beach-inspired decor, The O has increasingly expanded into exclusive apparel, custom merchandise and giftable lifestyle items. Hannon says originality remains the priority.


“I’ve really focused on items that my customers can’t find anywhere else, like my custom designed clothing, art and home decor,” she says. “It’s really what we try to do to set us apart.”



Enter store-branded collections such as Get Saucy and By the Bay, along with Kent Narrows Dock Bar gear, Get Salty mermaid favorites and an ever-expanding Watercolor Mermaids assortment spanning home decor to SPF apparel.



The new footprint also creates opportunities to deepen local partnerships.



“My new shop has more floor and wall space, so I have reached out to local artisans to showcase their artwork,” Hannon says.



Beyond merchandise, Hannon sees experience-driven retail as part of the next chapter. Plans include Sip & Craft workshops, Mahjong lessons and a book club.



“I love intermingling social events with shopping,” she says. “It is so much more fun and exciting for the customers.”



An inspiring refresh



That community-building mindset connects naturally to another venture Hannon founded: the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, now celebrating its 16th year. The event has long served as inspiration and a sourcing pipeline for the shop.



“Every year I find artisans who create such amazing things,” says Hannon. “Whenever there’s a chance to work together, I try to make it happen.”



With weddings, vacations and summer traffic bringing new customers to Kent Island, Hannon is also expanding wedding-centric gifts and localized namedrop merchandise. At the same time, she’s eager to welcome nearby residents discovering the store for the first time.



“I’m looking forward to our first official season kicking off,” she says.