Cotton Bay, a women's clothing and accessories store in Holland, had been in business on East Lakewood Boulevard since 2007, but owner Earl Novak says it was missing something.
"We were missing the walk-by traffic," he says. So in November, Novak moved his store to 8 E. Eighth St., an area with plenty of foot traffic.
"We were also attracted to the strength of the downtown merchant group and the support from the
Principal Shopping District," Novak says. "We've been very well received, not only by customers, but by merchants as well." He adds that Cotton Bay fills a niche in downtown Holland by offering women's clothing and accessories at moderate prices.
Previously Castle Park Gallery, Novak says the 19th century building was in good condition and even had a tin ceiling. Even so, some renovations were necessary to transform the 1,100-square-foot space into a boutique. He painted and added carpeting, dressing rooms and display areas.
The new store is about a third larger than Novak's former shop, and he says that with the increase in size he has been able to add merchandise to his collection of moderately priced casual wear. The main brands at Cotton Bay include Karen Hart,
Michigan Rag Co. handprinted clothing and
Parsley & Sage.
The store also sells necklaces, earrings, belts, scarves and sandals.
Sales have been brisk since the move, according to Novak, and he's been able to add one employee. He hopes to expand the store's hours during the summer months.
Novak also owns a Cotton Bay store in South Haven that opened in 1988.
Source: Earl Novak, Cotton Bay
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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