Ann Arbor's Allure Boutique and 4 Seasons consolidating into one East Liberty storefront
Erica Hobbs | AnnArbor.com
Starting next week, two clothing boutiques in downtown Ann Arbor will be consolidating into one store.
4 Seasons Perfume and Lingerie, located at 611 E. Liberty St., is moving two doors down to join with Allure Boutique at 607 E. Liberty St. The consolidated stores will operate under the Allure name
Abraham Hejazi, who owns both shops with his wife Alexandra, said business at 4 Seasons has suffered in the past year because of the bad economy.
“We had the same number of customers, but people were spending less,” he said.
Hejazi said he and his wife made the decision to move 4 Seasons’ merchandise to Allure instead of renewing their lease when it runs out on Monday.
“It’s going to be sad,” Hejazi said. “I spent more time here than at my house.”
Erica Hobbs | AnnArbor.com
Patrons will notice some differences in merchandise but not many. A former storage room at Allure will now house all the perfume lines carried at 4 Seasons. Hejazi said he had to downsize his lingerie brands from 12 to three: Betsey Johnson, Cosabella and Hanky Panky merchandise will continue to be offered at Allure.
Hejazi said he’s optimistic about the move. He said his biggest concern is losing male customers, who may not realize Allure, a women’s clothing store, sells men’s cologne in the back.
But he said the stores have been transitioning for the past month, and so far so good.
“Already we’ve been seeing (success),” he said. “We can see a difference.”
Erica Hobbs is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2537 or via e-mail at ericahobbs@annarbor.com.
Comments
cecelia kuzon
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 5:05 p.m.
I am glad to hear that you are reporting 4 seasons moving to allure. Allure is my favorite clothing store in the downtown area. I'm excited that they are now carrying perfume and lingerie! It will now be a one stop shop!!
BobbyJohn
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 12:29 p.m.
In terms of impact on the general public, perfume reminds me of cigarettes, Perfume is annoying and, not seldom, harmful to peoples"' health. Even the City of Detroit has banned people wearing perfume and other strong scents into city offices. Waiting for Ann Arbor to follow suit. Let's join together to help people who have breathing problems. Time to get enlightened.
cecelia kuzon
Sat, Mar 27, 2010 : 5:06 p.m.
I have been a customer of 4 Seasons and Allure Boutique for almost 5 years and will continue to be a costomer when they consolidate. I know the owner and his family and they are amazing people. Allure is such a friendly place to shop and they always have a great selection of dresses for any occassion.