Shoppes of Port Shuffle to New Home in City's Downtown

The concept behind the is still alive and kicking despite the sale of its former building that caused the businesses to look for retail space elsewhere.

Lisa Kien and Mike Gostomski, owners of , as well as Deb and Jessy Klein, who operate Port Royale Souvenirs and Gifts, have teamed together with a number of other businesses to re-open the Shoppes in the former building, 123 N. Franklin St.

"We knew the building was for sale, it was only a matter of time," Kien said. "We thought about going off on our own, but this co-op environment is nice."

The businesses were forced to move after Morgan Stanley executive and Port native Daniel Ewig purchased the for former Lueptow building, 211 N. Franklin St. Port Royale owner Deb Klein added that, since the sale, Ewig had been very supportive of the businesses that had called that building home.

About 80 percent of the businesses that used to be inside the Shoppes moved over to the new building, Kien said.

Items for sale inside the shop include: sports posters, apparel and other sports-related products, Wisconsin-related gifts, sourvenirs, snacks, local photography, crafts and more. The store also has a book nook, and all sales of the books are donated to local churches, Kien said.

The new Shoppes also have space available to rent, and interested people can call 262-536-4142 or e-mail  portshoppes@yahoo.com. Jessy Klein said the business owners try to bring in new groups that will not compete with existing items for sale.

Jane's Handy Sewing and — formerly part of the Shoppes — will soon open a story on South Park Street, according to City Planner Randy Tetzlaff.