BOYSTOWN — When Gabriel Limonez says he'll be back, clearly he means it.
The owner of Batteries Not Included promised in January that the adult gift and party store would return to Boystown after he closed up shop in January.
On Friday, Batteries opened at 3704 N. Halsted St., three blocks north of its original storefront. Lodged between Cell Block and Salsita, the storefront used to be the Machine Shop adult bookstore, which opened in 1998.
Limonez said he wanted a smaller space in Boystown six months after buying the business in May. The original owner, David Long, sold Batteries after 18 years in business and a move to Las Vegas.
Rents have tripled since Long got his start in the '90s, making it more difficult for businesses to survive if they aren't "upscale," he said.
Getting a smaller shop was "a good business decision," Limonez said. The store also launched a new website where customers can buy the same novelty and adult items found in the store.
The move gives Batteries a little more distance from its multiple competitors in Lakeview and Boystown. Tulip Toy Gallery was its closest neighbor at 3459 N. Halsted St., although Cupid's Treasure, Taboo Tabou and Egor's Dungeon aren't far off.
The former Batteries Not Included shop, 3420 N. Halsted St., still appears available for lease through Aljack Investments.
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