Good biz: Women's clothing boutique doubles in size in downtown Port Huron

Papaya Branch Boutique is doubling in size.
Laura Lyon comes from a family of retailers; her brother owns nine retail stores in the Atlanta, Ga. area alone.

So when Lyon says that she was certain her women’s clothing boutique would only grow following its December 2017 opening, it’s easy to believe her. But even Lyon didn’t expect her Papaya Branch Boutique to grow this fast.

This Saturday, Dec. 15, Lyon will be celebrating her store’s expansion. She’s acquired the space adjacent to her current storefront, doubling the Papaya Branch footprint from 1800 to 3600 square feet in size.

Find unique fashion and accessories at Papaya Branch BoutiqueIn just one year’s time, Lyon has gone from one employee to seven.

"The life on the streets here is remarkable. A lot of people say that downtown is turning a corner, but I think we’ve already turned it," Lyon says.

"Look for even more retail coming in the next twelve months. Port Huron is increasingly vibrant."

Lyon credits her store’s growth to the gap in retail she says she, along with other women’s clothing boutiques downtown, are helping to fill. More and more corporate retail stores are closing throughout St. Clair County and Lyon is happy to oblige their former customers.

Papaya Branch Boutique carries affordable yet fashion-forward women’s clothing, everything from leggings to dresses, purses to jewelry. She carries sizes from 3XL to small.

Lyon will fill the new space with even more clothing and accessories. She’ll also start a shoe section. Papaya’s two dressing rooms, which would build up lines of waiting customers during peak hours, will see three more added in the new space.

Papaya Branch will celebrate its expansion with a number of giveaways on Saturday. The first 30 customers in line will receive a $10 gift card. And one lucky visitor will win a drawing for free clothing for a year: One free outfit every month for twelve months.

Papaya Branch Boutique is located at 326 Superior Mall St. in downtown Port Huron.

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