Womens clothing store opens downtown

About six months after Manhattan Closet closed on the 900 block of Broadway downtown, another women’s clothing store opened in a smaller space next door formerly occupied by Merle Norman Cosmetics, which moved across the street.

Fariha Mavrakis opened Breeze on Aug. 22. The boutique sells apparel by Esley, Kensie Girl by Liz Claiborne, TA Collection from New York and shoes by Nine West and Anne Klein.

Mavrakis said she loves to shop and attend trade shows and was encouraged by her husband, Regeb Mavrakis, to start a business that matched her passions. “I’ve been shopping all over the U.S. for myself and love keeping up with the updated styles,” Mavrakis said.

The couple, along with relatives, own Southside Liquors on Providence Road across from the University of Missouri power plant and ran University Supermarket at Hitt and Locust Street for 12 years before it closed in 2001.

She said their experience with running the market was essential in helping her set up the boutique.

“I think we are all working together as a team, and I’m really thankful for support from all the other boutiques,” she said. “Everyone is really nice and generous to me. I think the more stores and retailers there are downtown it will bring more crowds, which will help us all out.”

Breeze

908 E. Broadway

Hours: M-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

817-2262