A loss for the Five Points retail scene has become a gain for Downtown with the opening of Frugal Diva and Subculture Corset Collection at the Landing.
The combination expanded and relocated women's fashion boutique is in the space formerly occupied by Body Central.
When store owner Tom Hand was faced with having to move his Subculture alternative fashion boutique from Riverside when the building he leased was sold, he looked to the Landing.
For more than a year he had operated a second retail concept, Frugal Diva, at the Landing. Combining the stores into a larger space has worked.
"We are doing extremely well. Our Five Points customers have followed us to the Landing," Hand said.
Store manager Carolyn Hand, who has merchandised Frugal Diva since it opened in the Landing, said the corner store on the ground floor is the best location in the Downtown riverfront mall.
She said the selection of affordable fashion jewelry and accessories has been expanded because of the additional floor space.
More clothing is on the racks, including casual fashions for what she calls "real women" who represent most of the store's clientele.
"The average American woman is a size 14. We plan to merchandise at least half of the new store with what's called 'plus-size' fashions," she said.
The relocation part of the new store is the Subculture Custom Corset Collection, managed by Five Points veteran Carlisle Brunswick.
She said corsets are available ready-to-wear in most sizes and the shop specializes in custom orders. Stockings, garters and tutus also are on the racks.
Hand said one of the first differences he noticed about the Landing is the amount of activity that brings customers to the store.
"There is always something happening at the Landing," he said.
Frugal Diva is participating in a fashion show at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Rush Street in the courtyard at the Landing. It's a benefit for Hubbard House and Frugal Diva is providing clothing and accessories for the show.
Hand said he knows having one of the most visible locations in the Landing comes with responsibility. In addition to making sure Frugal Diva adds to the visual aesthetic, he hopes it becomes a dependable shopping destination.
"We will be open all the hours the Landing is open," he said.
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