A new retail store has opened for business downtown inside the Brisbane Building at Lafayette Square. ‘Boutique in the Square’, it’s called, opened its doors this past Monday with plenty of fanfare – a surprise considering that there was no signal that it was on its way, including no ‘coming soon’ signs. But, on opening day it was packed with happy shoppers (myself included, who purchased a necklace for someone special).
‘Boutique’ is one of the last retail spaces available at the Brisbane Building to be leased. The new store occupies 800 square feet on the first floor with an entrance at Lafayette Square, located between Edible Arrangements and EmbroidMe.
The ‘Boutique in the Square’ carries woman’s clothing, accessories, gifts and baby apparel. It’s something different to the downtown shopping scene (as we still have a ways to go) and long over due. From the outside, ‘Boutique’ looks like a big city retailer, but once inside, you are immediately greeted with a smile and you also get a feel like you’re not in downtown Buffalo anymore (did I just say that!), but in the Elmwood Village or Williamsville shopping district. And, I say this in a happy go lucky, fashionisto kinda way.
Store owner, Anne Hughes had worked in the Downtown area for a number of years before venturing into her own retail business. She has long believed that the Lafayette Square area has been lacking in its offerings for women’s clothing and gift shops. “There has always been a limited amount of places to shop within walking distance downtown. I want to give employees of the downtown area a unique place to shop for gifts and for themselves.” Hughes said.
She and her husband are also downtown residents who will be testing the store hours (Sundays too) and its inventory to meet the needs of their customers.
With the shops inside the Hotel @ Lafayette, the new Hilton Garden Inn opening across the street this Fall and countless other projects within walking distance, it’s looking like Lafayette Square is and will be the new ‘destination’ for shopping & dinning in Downtown Buffalo.
Boutique in the Square
Brisbane Building – Unit 103
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-768-5924
Store Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30am-5:30pm
Saturday 11am-3pm