Portsmouth’s LeClub Boutique seeks ‘retail roommate’
Portsmouth — For 22 years, LeClub Boutique and Choozy Shoes have been retail roommates. They have shared three locations, including the current one at Vaughan Mall.
But that ended with the closure of Choozy Shoes.
“It’s like getting a divorce,” said Beth Gross-Santos, owner of LeClub Boutique. “It’s a big loss in so many ways, a whole era together.”
Contrary to local rumors, LeClub Boutique is not going out of business. Gross-Santos is staying and looking for a retail roommate or roommates. “Choozy Shoes closed a little over two weeks ago,” she said, “but LeClub is here and we’re not going to leave.”
Gross-Santos is making an all-out effort to find a roommate, or two. “I’ve been asking the universe, Facebooking, networking, working with brokers,” she said. “This is a great space and a wonderful opportunity for someone.”
Gross-Santos is open to almost any venture. Another shoe store would be good. Lingerie would go well. A tea shop, perhaps? Children’s clothes? “I say, bring on the ideas,” she said. “I have a wonderful landlord and for a good downtown location, the rent is reasonable.”
Throughout their 22 years together, LeClub Boutique and Choozy Shoes sponsored many community events, raising money for local causes and concerns. The store has always been a gathering spot for residents to talk about ideas while they shopped and exchanged news.
“Community and business should be hand in hand,” Gross-Santos said. “This is what makes Portsmouth special. I feel like a mom and pop sort of shop, not one of those giant stores you see outside of Portsmouth.”
LeClub Boutique sells women’s clothing and accessories, but perhaps is best known for is its prom dresses and gowns for all occasions. LeClub also carries a line of jeans, Sound Girl, that offer a great fit at a reasonable price point.
