On Tuesday, September 14th, at 10:00 a.m., at the corner of 5th Street and State Street, the Erie Downtown Development Corporation (“EDDC”) announced “The Shops at 5th & State”—five retail businesses and a rotation of pop-up shops that will provide a new shopping experience in downtown.
As part of its revitalization of the historic properties located at the northeast corner of 5th Street and State Street, the EDDC has recruited the following local retail shops to these renovated storefronts:
• Erie Apparel (https://erieapparel.co/): This local company puts the “814” on the map with its unique and custom-made apparel. The store has developed a cult following among Erie enthusiasts and become the go-to location for Erie-themed gifts. The company’s downtown location will be its first store within the City of Erie limits.
• Glass Growers Gallery (https://glassgrowersgallery.com/): Serving the Erie area since 1974, Glass Growers Gallery offers one of the finest selections of local and regional arts and gifts. The gallery has occupied its space at 10 E 5th Street since 1999. Owner Emily Ernes acquired Glass Growers Gallery in 2020 from co-founder Deb Vahanian and signed a long-term lease with the EDDC to remain in its current location for the foreseeable future.
• Pointe Foure (https://pointefoure.com/): Pointe Foure is a one-of-a-kind glamour influenced boutique, where sustainable and golden fashion is found as far as the eye can see. Owner Emily George has a mission to bring sustainable fashion, beauty, and chic vintage to the region. She has curated a unique collection of vintage clothing from the 1920’s to the 2000’s, as well as a sustainable contemporary line of repurposed and reimagined pieces, making her store a regional destination.
• Primo Tailoring (https://www.primotailoring.com/): Primo Tailoring offers custom tailoring for men and women, as well as an expert-curated selection of men’s clothes. Founder Louis Geramita and his team of tailors work to get you the perfect fit, whether it is for your wedding day or the first day of a new job. Primo Tailoring is the destination for anyone wanting to make sure that they look and feel good.
• SHE Vintage (https://shevintage.com/): SHE Vintage is a boutique and beauty bar, with a special focus on vintage clothing. Owner Alexandria Ellis spent time as a visual merchandiser and manager for national retail stores, before returning home to Erie. Alexandria’s background ensures that her store is more than just a retail store, it is an experience for all visitors.
Pop-Up Shops: In addition to these retail shops, Alexandria Ellis, owner of SHE Vintage, will curate a rotating selection of pop-up retail shops on the upper floors of the historic Cashier’s House, located at 417 State Street, bringing new retail concepts and entrepreneurs to downtown Erie.
Opening Timeframe: The retail shops and the pop-up shops are scheduled to be open by Small Business Saturday (November 27th).
These unique local businesses further the EDDC’s goal of “cultivating an Erie Experience in Downtown” and serve as a great compliment to Flagship City Food Hall and Flagship City Public Market, as well as the EDDC’s new residential units.
