Steve Gilmer What's on 2nd owner Birmingham business — What’s On 2nd owner Steve Gilmore. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

What’s on 2nd, the beloved collectibles store, is reportedly closing at the end of the year due to the passing of its owner, Steve Gilmer. Read on for what we know so far.

Steve Gilmer was a known Birmingham storyteller

Floods of social media posts and comments have proven one thing true: Steve Gilmer was a storyteller.

Neighbors of What’s on 2nd—Filter Coffee Parlor, Charm and many more—expressed how much of a light Steve was in Birmingham and beyond

We spoke to James Little, co-owner of Filter Coffee Parlor, about the impact Steve left on the community.

“Steve was like a wealth of Birmingham knowledge. He could tell you about people, where they used to live, what businesses used to be in different parts of the city and what neighborhoods used to be like. He always had a story and could always place you in a time period. He was a good storyteller.”
James Little, Co-Owner, FILTER Coffee Parlor

What’s on 2nd moved from 2nd to 1st Avenue, and then made its current home in Five Points South in 2020.

January would have been 18 years of storytelling at this unique Birmingham collectibles shop.

What’s next with What’s on 2nd?

Alfred Smith, a long-time friend of Steve, is taking over the shop until the end of the year.

When we spoke to Alfred, he was unsure of plans post-December, but he’s keeping the options open for the future of the store.

“I think I’m open to any reasonable offer. Maybe someone will be open to buying; maybe I’ll give it up for auction or even for charity.”
Alfred Smith

It was no secret that What’s on 2nd captivates you as soon as you walk through the doors. Steve Gilmer made sure each customer felt that magic.

“What’s On Second always connected with locals and visitors. It’s kind of like going home to your grandparents when they had some story of the past to tell.”
James Little, Co-Owner, FILTER Coffee Parlor

You can still experience the eclectic energy of What’s on 2nd until the end of this year (fingers crossed for even longer).