Alyssa
Located at the corner of Houston and Navarro street rests a space that’s usually dark and eerie when you walk past. However, as of this month, the City of San Antonio has started a new initiative with OPEN: Downtown Pop up Shops to change the look of this forgotten retail space. Eye Candy Boutique, an woman’s clothing boutique, has been approved for a 90 day lease in the previously abandoned space.
Elsa Fernandez, the founder of Eye Candy Boutique, was approached through OPEN to apply for the vacant retail space. Intrigued, Elsa applied and the City approved. From now until the first week of November 2015, Elsa’s online boutique has been transformed to a brick and mortar.
“We (San Antonio) have the potential to become the next South Congress, Austin area. San Antonio consumers are ready and it’s just a matter of getting more programs and vendors downtown,” Elsa answered when we asked how she envisioned downtown San Antonio.
While the City takes care of the rent, Elsa does have to pay for utilities and insurance. Elsa’s ultimate goal is to have a show room and store front, and this seems to be San Antonio’s goal too. After Eye Candy Boutique moves out, a new vender will be moving in. Navarro Street’s future has never looked so bright.
Eye Candy Boutique, located at 531 Navarro St., will be hosting a launch event this Friday, April 14th from 6 to 8 p.m. Come out and enjoy food, drinks, 10% off purchases, and the opportunity to shop locally.
How do you envision downtown, San Antonio?