Posted on March - 29 - 2010
Christine, a women’s clothing store, to open in Memphis’ South Main district
Downtown development backers approved forgivable loans Wednesday for a new women’s clothing boutique and a facelift for Automatic Slim’s restaurant.
The Center City Development Corp. also approved a $21,793.50 facade grant for City Market, an international food store and deli opening at Main and Union.
The board endorsed loans of $40,000 for Christine, a women’s clothing shop at 119 S. Main planned by owners of Shelton Clothiers, and $30,000 for Automatic Slim’s, which opened in 1991 at 83 S. Second. Forgivable loans become grants at the end of the loan term if the recipient meets all conditions.
Automatic Slim’s won a three-year loan for a rebranding and marketing push, including new interior, furnishings, chef and menu. Owner Sandy Robertson bought the restaurant from founder Karen Carrier in 2008.
An existing business must show it has been hit by the recession to qualify for the program, Center City Commission manager of business recruitment and retention Lisa Brumleve said. According to analysis of the restaurant’s business plan and finances by alt.consulting, Automatic Slim’s virtually broke even the past two years.
Thomas and Christine Shelton, who opened Shelton Clothiers five years ago at 119 S. Main, landed the maximum incentive for a new retailer for their expansion of women’s clothing offerings.
Shelton primarily sells menswear, but has offered custom-tailored women’s suits since last fall and sells men’s and women’s clothing at the Westin Hotel gift shop.
“We have really been listening to what women want and are confident that we can extend the Shelton Clothiers brand to give women what they are looking for Downtown,” Thomas Shelton said. That includes “quality clothes for a reasonable price, full-service tailoring and personalized service.”
They plan to open this spring.
City Market was approved for exterior improvements that include signs, railings and lighting in a follow-up to earlier approval of a forgivable loan for new retail. The market aims to join Easy Way, 80 N. Main, and Miss Cordelia’s at Harbor Town among stores selling groceries Downtown.
–Wayne Risher: 529-2874
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