Clothes shopping comes to Malverne

La Benes Clothesline holds its grand opening

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Malverne took its hat off to a new clothier last week, when the La Benes women’s boutique held its grand opening at its location on 122 Broadway in the village.

After hosting 10 successful preview days in late August and early September, the shop held kicked off its opening with a ribbon cutting, village and town politicians, residents, family and friends last Saturday.

The boutique features a fashion selection that, the owners say, appeal to young and older women — evidence of which was demonstrated when the store was packed with dozens of women ranging in age from teens to the more mature crowd. Regardless, all used the grand opening as an excuse to shop.

“So far we’ve been very pleased,” said Anita Schmelzinger, co-owner of the store with Armanda Hughes. “I think there is a need for a clothing store in this town, and people have been coming in for their own wardrobe, they’re coming in gifts, gift cards … it’s just great.”

When asked about her selection of clothes in the store, Schmelzinger said she just “goes with her gut” when choosing which pieces to sell. “It’s not that hard because it comes naturally to me,” she added.

Mayor Patricia McDonald, who is often seen around town making purchases from local businesses, stayed after the grand opening to add to her wardrobe. “A new clothing store just opened up on Broadway that I just went into the other day,” the mayor said during last week’s board meeting. “I have to tell you, there’s beautiful clothing there and the prices are really good.”

The mayor, who discussed some vacant village storefronts at last week’s board meeting, commented, “We are working with whatever businesses come in here,” she said. “We are doing our part in trying to bringing businesses in to the village and work with the businesses that want to open here in the village. But with that said, you [residents] need to shop in those establishments. You need to frequent them.”