McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK

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July 19, 2007

Come on downtown and see what’s new

By Susan Brittingham

Downtowns across America are coming back to life, and McAlester’s is no exception.

New stores are opening all the time and most of the selection is on par with that offered in towns like Dallas, Oklahoma City and possibly even Manhattan.

One of the latest places to open on Choctaw Avenue is a myriad of shops called The Galleria. It’s now home to Riddel’s Skincare Center, The Chameleon, a bridal registry shop called This ’N That, Fiddlesticks and Whimsey, and Interior Resources.

“When people walk in here they say ‘Oh wow,’” said Lisa Kirk, who owns Interior Resources and whose idea The Galleria was.

“They’re just amazed at what all we have to offer here.”

Kirk said she’s always loved downtown McAlester and was distressed to think of people shopping out of town. It’s an action that has lead to the demise of so many downtowns across America — the loss of a way of life. But the Downtown Merchants’ Society is determined to bring new life to McAlester’s small town friendly shopping area.

At The Chameleon, Alonzo and Stephanie Johnson offer brands such as Lucky’s, Baby Phat and Sean John. “These are not overstocks, these are brand new and the latest brand-name clothing,” Alonzo Johnson said. “These are clothes that Dillard’s and Nordstrom carry. We also have sunglasses, shoes, hats, a few accessories and lots of bling-bling.”

Riddel’s Skincare Center features Erin Graham’s Hair Studio and “is the only place in town that offers sugar waxing,” owner Joyce Riddel said. “We also offer weight management that is supervised by a doctor and permanent makeup. We don’t treat diseases, irritations or skin cancer, but we do rejuvenate the skin.”

Riddel said she became interested in skin care once she hit 47. “I thought that I surely wasn’t the only woman facing these issues” and the sheer number of her clientele proves her point.

On the second floor of The Galleria is Interior Resources. “Sandy Lovett makes the drapes,” Kirk said. “She’s been doing it for 38 years and she’s very, very good at it. You can show her any picture in any magazine or book and Sandy can make it.”

Interior Resources also offers blinds, shutters, verticals, Roman shades and in-stock fabric and trim.

“Everything you need — for your home, what to wear and taking care of your body — is here in this one building,” Kirk said, adding that once people have spent time in The Galleria they can then wander through all the other “wonderful” shops in downtown.

And don’t forget that there are several restaurants on Choctaw Avenue, making it easy for people to spend an entire day shopping, eating and having a great time, right here at home in McAlester.

“We want people to get in the habit of staying here and shopping here,” Kirk said. “Downtown McAlester has so much to offer. When you shop downtown, the merchants get to know you. That way, when you go to market, you are shopping for your clients. You really get to know what they like and you provide it for them.

“Downtown is wonderful and we want people to shop here.”

The Galleria is open Monday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A grand opening, with special sales and promotions, is scheduled for July 31 and is expected to last two weeks.

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