LINCOLN SQUARE — Four adjacent storefronts are in flux in the heart of Lincoln Square, with two of the shops closing, one on the move and one staying put for the time being.
The businesses — Savvy Seconds, De'O Fave'nte, Lollipop Seeds and Exclusive Gifts Sound & Image — occupy prime real estate in the Square, 4724-28 N. Lincoln Ave.
Who is staying and who is going? Patty Wetli with the details:
Werner Herrig, who owns the property as well as Exclusive Gifts, confirmed to DNAinfo.com that he's in the process of selling the building, though the deal has not yet closed.
Herrig is also closing his gift shop, which specializes in collectibles from Germany and Eastern Europe.
The building's uncertain future has created a ripple effect among Herrig's tenants.
De'O Fave'nte has already vacated its space and the Savvy Seconds thrift and resale shop is in the midst of moving to 1748 W. Lawrence Ave.
Isabel Rubinas, owner of the children's clothing store Lollipop Seeds, told DNAinfo.com, "I'm staying. I have a lease."
Savvy Seconds owner Christin Fasuga said Herrig's decision has proven to be a blessing in disguise.
Though she's built up a solid clientele in Lincoln Square, the majority of her regular customers hail from the Uptown and Andersonville areas.
"More of my people are over there and wandered here," Fasuga said.
Their reaction to her move, she said, has been, "Ah, you'll be closer to me."
Fasuga, 32, started Savvy Seconds in 2006 with her mom, originally setting up shop at 2707 W. Lawrence Ave. before moving to Lincoln Avenue.
Growing up poor in McKinley Park, she started haunting shops like Unique Thrift and Village Discount out of economic necessity — "You could find such great finds for pennies" — and continues to hit up second-hand stores for the thrill of the hunt, she said.
She has a preference for funkier pieces, "but funky in the sense you could bust it out in five years," and plans to stock the new space with slightly edgier items.
As she preps for Savvy Seconds third grand opening, likely in the next week or two, Fasuga said, "I'm ready for my next chapter."
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