Salem shops share space, save on expenses
Salem, MA — Pam Jaynes, who owns a gift shop in Beverly, wasn’t really looking to open a second store in Salem. But when she spotted a “for lease” sign in a storefront on cobblestoned Front Street, she had to take a look.
Once inside 24 Front St., she fell in love with the high ceiling, brick walls, wooden floors and the two separate levels connected by a short set of stairs.
“It’s such a beautiful space,” she said.
There was a problem, though. It was just too big for the concept she had in mind — a small store selling hand-crafted jewelry.
When Jaynes struck up a conversation with the departing tenant, Jacqui Albanese, the owner of the flower shop Fiddlehead, she learned that Albanese was planning to move out because she could not afford the rent.
The two women got to thinking and talking. That discussion led to an agreement to share the space and costs.
