New Canaan Merchants Do the Shuffle

Now you see it, now you don't. Many of New Canaan's established retailers have taken advantage of the unusually large inventory of empty store fronts and relocated to new addresses in town.

, a home furnishings store, moved up the street from number 7 to number 48 Elm Street. Though the distance was short, the change was huge, according to Pimlico's owners, Melissa Lindsay and Jill Saunders. Lindsay told Patch that while the original space was quaint and cozy, it was limiting.

Now the enormous windows and 14-foot ceilings of the new corner showroom provide a stunning space in which to showcase products. With nearly double the square footage and an additional upstairs area for the store's design business, Pimlico Interiors, the new store meets their specific needs.

"The new location has increased our viability and strengthened our presence in New Canaan," Lindsay said. "We also feel fortunate to have a landlord who was is helpful and supportive of small business."

The move to 32 Forest Street was definitely a milestone for , the stationery and gift store formerly on Main Street.

Owner Dan Mulhern re-evaluated his needs at time and decided to edit inventory and reduce his square footage. The new location, formerly home to Griffin Ford, is roughly half the size, but its soaring ceilings, dramatic windows, and general grandeur give this space the feel of a Manhattan loft, something that is unique in New Canaan.

"I am energized by the sophistication and ", says Mulhern and he has found that by staying open until 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays he has caught the busy restaurant crowd.

"My goal is to work with the rest of Forest Street merchants and restaurants to continue making this distinctive section of town a shopping and eating destination," Mulhern said.

of , which features home furnishings with an one-of-a-kind flair, is thrilled to have Milestones next door. Freyer says,

"The presence of Milestones and , has definitely increased foot traffic at our end of the block," she said.

She, too, is considering extending hours in order to capture the evening crowds.

has opened its doors at 7 Elm Street having moved from its formerly less central location on East Ave.  

Donald A. Rich Interiors & Antiques is moving around the corner from Burtis Avenue to a more visible address at 114 Main Street.