North End Of Main Street Turns Up Retail Heat

Change happens. On this one particular part of Main Street, a whole lot of change happened the last couple months, but in this case it's been good change. EG’s got three new retail outlets to check out.

The first store, Bags By Iris, isn’t new at all, but the location is. Losing her space at 111 Main St., Iris Gesualdi was uncertain how quickly she’d be able to find a new home. But the old Blossom Florist space just down the way at 93 Main St. fit the bill. A mere six weeks after learning she needed to move, Gesualdi is had reopened.

The new Bags By Iris offers more space for her extensive Vera Bradley collection. She continues to carry a large selection of Alex & Ani, too, as well as the distinctive clothing and accessories that have made her shop a haven.

Meanwhile, the pink tantalized for weeks but the wait is over. Staci’s Place, at 99 Main St., is open, offering a delicious array of lingerie and, in owner Staci Cormier, an expert bra fitter. It turns out a whopping 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong bra. Cormier can fix that! She’s been in the business of helping women with breast cancer get fitted. Now she’s taking her talents to the masses (though she said she’s happy to help women with breast cancer too) for everyday or special occasion (brides, that’s you!).

Staci’s Place carries such brands as Hanro, Cosa Bella, Simone Perele, Blush, and Hanky Panky.

Cormier’s plan is to do something special every month. In September, for instance, the store will accept bra trade-ins. The bras that are traded in will be sent to developing countries around the globe.

The third new shop is called Luniac Glamour, the combined talents of two women, one a hair-skin-makeup specialist, the other a merchandiser, into one full-service boutique.

Jaclyn Murphy and Kristen Marrah decided to team up and chose Main Street in East Greenwich because of it felt right.

“It’s the place to be. We thought with our whole concept it would work well,” said Murphy, the designer/merchandiser half of the partnership.

“We love the feel of it,” said Marrah, who does the hair, skin and makeup part. They particularly liked the large windows and the fact that Main Street attracts a lot of walkers. That and Main Street’s tilt toward bridal made it a good fit, they said.