By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — For the fourth time in the past six months, a downtown Warsaw store owner is relocating but choosing to remain downtown.
In recent months, Male Fashions moved to South Buffalo Street, Maggie’s Coffee and Treats is in the midst of moving next to the Male Fashions store, and Generous Coffee last week moved two blocks to the west as it opened a new roastery operation and gathering spot on Center Street.
The latest move involves Glam Boutique, a women’s fashion store which has been on South Buffalo Street in the historic Dennie Building for ten years and is preparing to move to 108 E. Center St.
Two of four moves came at the request of landlords.
For Smith Hansen, she’s had a lengthy and enjoyable relationship with her landlord, but saw the move as a good business decision and was able to purchase a storefront at 108 E. Center Street.
“This is the next step. The opportunity just kind of fell into our lap to buy some real estate and it just made sense,” she said. “We’re very, very excited.”
Looking elsewhere outside of the downtown was not something she considered.
“That was always important to me,” she said. “Even from the first time I opened my business down here, I knew I wanted to be in the downtown.”
Smith Hansen has hosted a downtown fundraiser in memory of her father and brother for years and has become an active member of Rogue, a downtown group of merchants who work to bring more activity to the central business district.
“We have such a special community here in Warsaw, it’s just an honor and privilege to be part of it,” she said.
Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President Rob Parker has taken note of the trend.
“People want to be in the center of the city,” he said.
Like many small downtowns, Warsaw has seen struggles over the years with storefront vacancies, but has witnessed a nearly constant flow of improvements among store owners and property owners since after the pandemic ended.
The downtown currently only has a handful of empty storefronts and renovations are underway at two or three properties.
“There’s no question about it,” Parker said. “It’s really becoming a vibrant place.”
Smith Hansen said she hopes to open the store by Aug. 1.
