Charlotte boutique opening new space in Plaza Midwood

A local business owner is taking over a popular retail space in Plaza Midwood.

In late January, Charlotte Collective closed its flagship store at 1222 Central Ave. citing rising rent problems, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

The store showcased local makers and creatives. Now, one of its former vendors is moving into the vacant store.

Jessica Von Canon is planning to open her first storefront, Winnie’s Boutique, in the vacant space by April. Until now, customers could only purchase products through the Winnie’s Boutique website and in The Charlotte Collective.

“We’re really excited. We have been with the Charlotte Collective since the beginning. We’ve really built a relationship with the Plaza Midwood community.” Von Canon told the Observer. “We’re really excited we get to stay in the Plaza Midwood area.”

Von Canon says she’s been looking for a retail space in the area for almost two years prior to the closure of Charlotte Collective. Once Charlotte Collective’s owners decided to move, she was able to sign with the building’s landlord for the next four years. But the hope is to stay even longer.

“With the area in Plaza Midwood, it’s been challenging finding landlords and property management groups that are willing to give small businesses a fair shot,” she said.

Winnie’s Boutique has been in business since 2018. In the beginning, shoppers could only get their products online. Von Canon started doing pop-up events before having a presence in Charlotte Collective about a year later. So getting to take over this space in Plaza Midwood as her first storefront feels like a full-circle milestone.

“We’ve definitely seen the ups and downs with the pandemic,” she said. “Charlotte Collective has been a great platform to really launch my business — and really grow with Charlotte Collective — so I wouldn’t be where I am today without the partnership there.”

‘A fresh new experience’

Products that will be sold at Winnie’s Boutique when it opens this spring will still be available at Charlotte Collective’s South End location through March. Once she opens the boutique storefront in April, shoppers can buy products in-person or online.

Even though she’s been selling in the building for years, she plans to revamp the space to give it a new look.

“As we are updating the inside of the space, we do not have any major structural changes to the space but expect a fresh new retail shopping experience,” she explained.

Aside from physical changes, Von Canon says she also has new visions for the brand, too. Shoppers can expect to see more size-inclusive styles, gifts, accessories and home decor, she said.

There are also plans to add local handmade products available for shoppers to purchase.

“We’re just really excited to get this sole location to be able to expand our product offerings to be a part of the Plaza Midwood community and continue that relationship there,” Von Canon said. “So we’re just so thankful for those that come out and support and shop small.”