RE-DISCOVERING DOWNTOWN THIBODAUX

Historical Downtown Thibodaux is gearing up for the much-needed foot traffic that could bring life back to the downtown area this spring with the new specialty boutiques.

Downtown Thibodaux is center for main events such as Thibodeauxville and is home to several well-known area restaurants, bars and specialty stores. There has been a lot of growth and development in the downtown area over the past five years.

Kathy Benoit, president and CEO of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, said she believes the downtown area is starting to take on a whole new shape.

“A lot of old business have refurbished their buildings and new businesses are bringing new attractions and more activities to the downtown area,” she said.

Some of the new specialty boutiques in the Historic Downtown of Thibodaux include home furnishing, clothing and shoe stores, and a shop targeting fraternities and sororities.

Because they are still so new, the businesses haven’t realized the influx of people visiting for the holidays, summer vacations or other high tourist times n but they all agree they’re looking forward to the rush.

After pledging Kappa Eta Chapter of Phi Mu, Emily Bonvillain Rini made it her mission to bring a boutique to Thibodaux that caters to Greek fraternity and sorority apparel.

Emily’s Greek Boutique and Something Chic, located at 409 W. 3rd St., was one of the most recent upgrades in the downtown area. A Nicholls State University graduate, Rini wanted to provide her sorority sisters and fellow Greeks with an opportunity to shop locally.

“In school, when we wanted something for our sorority we had to travel all the way to Baton Rouge and New Orleans. I decided to open up a shop in Thibodaux closer to the school,” she said. “My shop comes in handy during the rush period when the fraternities and sororities are adding new members. They have a shorter drive for quality Greek merchandise.”

Rini said she chose downtown Thibodaux because it was beautiful and she figured she could attract a wide variety of customers with the restaurants and local bars nearby.

The boutique’s diverse line also caters to non-Greeks, hence the “Something Chic.” Rini said she has a wide assortment of shoes, purses, jewelry and gifts for all ages.

“I like to keep things fresh and trendy in my shop. So whether your Greek or non-Greek there’s a place for you at Emily’s Greek Boutique,” Rini said.

Chic Chateau, located at 705 W. 3rd St., specializes in turn-of-the-century French decor for the home or the office. The selection includes mirrors, candlestick holders, lamps and artwork, all of which are ideal for wedding, anniversary, birthday and Christmas gifts.

Co-owner Debi Webre said the shop’s merchandise is luxurious, unique and affordable.

Webre, who owns Chic Chateau with her sister-in-law Rachel Terracina, grew up in the downtown area. At one time, her father, Johnny Terracina, owned at least five businesses in the area.

The Terracina family currently operates several businesses on the downtown strip of W. 3rd Street, including like Johnny’s Men Shop and the New Store Corp.

Before opening Chic Chateau, Webre managed Stella’s, the female spin-off of her father’s men shop.

When opening, Chic Chateau collaborated with Treasure Lanes’ owner Rhoda Caldwell. Currently Caldwell is serving on the Lafourche Parish School Board, but she has a very distinguished background in the retail industry. She was also the manager of several retail stores, including Images and the Christmas Place.

“It means a lot for Rhoda to be back downtown working. Bringing life and excitement to the historic area,” Webre said.

A third shop that recently opened at 505 W. 3rd St., Rush is a former New Orleans boutique specializing in apparel and accessories for men, women and canines.

Named after its owner, Baton Rouge native Penny Rush, the store is an upscale fashion boutique that can be compared to Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

The clothing found in Rush cannot be found in any store in downtown Thibodaux or Houma. To find these designs and vendors, one would have to travel to places like Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Rush travels all over the U.S. visiting clothing markets just to find good quality clothing at an affordable price to display in her store. The owner said she is bringing an upscale world to the historical traditions of Thibodaux.

“I love the downtown setting. I think its great for people to be able to park and spend a day walking the downtown strip shopping. The people in Thibodaux have welcomed my store and I really appreciate it,” Rush said.

Staff photo by SOPHIA RUFFIN • Tri-Parish Times * Rush worker Shannon Acosta, along with her Boston Terrier Zoe, shows off the new canine line to La Belle Vie Massage Therapist Aimee Duet Saturday afternoon.