Hermitage Consignment Store Destroyed By Fire

Fire Destroys Hermitage Consignment Shop

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- A fire destroyed a Hermitage consignment shop that specialized in dresses for proms, weddings and other special occasions.

Officials said the fire was reported around 1 a.m. Friday at Memories Consignment on Tulip Grove Road and Lebanon Pike.

"I really loved it," said owner Diane Allmond, who operated the store for 20 years. "It was my whole life and it's gone."

Officials said someone driving past the store saw the fire and called dispatch.

By the time firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from the building. Firefighters were unable to save the building.

The cause of the fire had not been determined. No one was injured in the blaze.

Several people stopped by the shop to give support. Britney Burns said the business was a cornerstone of the community. She said Allmond would give wedding and prom dresses away to anyone who couldn't afford to buy them.

"She's just a great person," Burns said. "She really is."

Friends of the store's owner have set up a fund to help pay to rebuild.

Anyone who wants to contribute may make a donation at the Wilson Bank and Trust Bank in Hermitage.

"We just feel the need to give back to her because she's always given to the community," said Mary Ann Whitaker.

As investigators worked on the case, they saw a car parked near the building. The vehicle was reported stolen from Nashville. It was towed; however there was no clear connection Friday afternoon to the fire.