Shops on Third by Lisa Hummel If you build it, they will come. It worked for Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams and the downtown retail district is hoping to find the same fate. Earlier this month, Harristown Development Corporation, the management office of the Strawberry Square complex, opened Shops on Third at Strawberry Square, the first move in an ongoing effort to solidify downtown Harrisburg as a retail destination. Already abuzz with fine dining, entertainment sites, and art galleries, downtown Harrisburg is just beginning to hone its retail legs and, with Shops on Third, all involved see it as a way of drawing new life to the commerce begun by the shops inside Strawberry Square and its surrounding sites on Third and Market Streets. “We’re tremendously excited about this latest effort to continue to re-establish traditional street marketing in downtown Harrisburg,” said Harristown Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Russell C. Ford. “This project represents an important next step, begun with Strawberry Square, to build a downtown district that will cater to the shopping needs and wants of our existing clientele along with our growing population of young professionals and city visitors.” A group of six shops — LaFemme Jolie, Michael Boyd, Emporium Luggage, Sparky and Clark’s coffeehouse, The Plum Sport, and Kiss The Frog — the Shops on Third is home to new establishments as well as a few who closed doors elsewhere to make the move downtown, including Shawn Mishkin, owner of The Plum Sport. Formerly located in Mechanicsburg, The Plum Sport is housed on the corner of Third and Market and offers the latest in upscale casual wear. According to Mishkin, the new location is working quite well. “I am getting more traffic, there’s no doubt. I’m very happy with the location — if there’s one thing I’m happy with, it’s that,” he said. And though the stores have been opened for less than a month, like Mishkin, the other shop owners MODE spoke to are pleased with the location thus far. And none seem greatly worried by the stereotype that Harrisburg becomes a ghost town when the state workers leave. Rather, they moved into the city because they were encouraged by the prospect of reaping in the retail gains of a revitalized downtown shopping district. “This is the first store that I’ve opened,” said Anita Karl, owner of LeFemme Jolie, a shop boasting wares targeted for the woman, including upscale costume jewelry, accessories, clothing, and giftware. “And the reason for bringing it here is because I think that Harrisburg, as well as other cities across the nation, is experiencing a resurgence, and that people want more than just mall shopping — they want individual merchandise and personalized service.” Samuel Boyd, of the men’s clothier Michael Boyd, agrees. “I think that [the stereotype] is something to get past, especially if we’re going to stay open until 9 o’clock [as is being discussed],” said Boyd, “but I also think Harrisburg is addressing that if you look at the traffic that flows back into here to eat at the great restaurants on Second Street. There is life in the city after 5 o’clock and I think there is the opportunity for even more life.” With its original location in York, the folks behind Michael Boyd were looking for a second spot and were more than pleased to find an opening in the downtown area. “We feel there was a need for better quality men’s things in Harrisburg and it’s a great collection of shops that have opened up together,” said Boyd, who has already seen his store draw a clientele in the short time its been open. “Better end market is a very narrow piece of the retail pie and word of mouth is the best advertising, I truly feel. And I know I’ve already had several referrals from clients who have been in last week sending people in this week.” Shopping in downtown Harrisburg isn’t as elusive as a baseball diamond in a cornfield, but there was a time in the not so distant past when bringing shoppers downtown did seem just as unrealistic. And, along with the improvements undertaken by the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District Authority — the organization specifically geared to spur the economic and social vitality of the city — the Shops on Third at Strawberry Square are the first in a effort to making downtown a destination for all intentions — entertainment, dining, and retail — and, finally, rid the notion that Harrisburg becomes a ghost town at sunset. “Retail is extremely important as it relates to center city Harrisburg,” said Fred Clark, Executive Director of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District Authority. With a new influx of retail, “we will then make a full circle with shops, bars, restaurants, night clubs. We will have a complete circle to offer everyone.”

Shops on Third at Strawberry Square: LaFemme Jolie – offering upscale semi-precious jewelry, accessories and related items, including clothing and giftware. Michael Boyd – offering fine imported men’s tailored suits, casual sportswear, accessories, and other tailored clothing. Emporium Luggage – offering handbags, business cases, luggage, leather accessories, and travel-related items. Sparky and Clark’s Coffee Shop – a continuation of the successful coffee shop opened along Second Street in February, 2001. The Plum Sport – offering women’s upscale casual wear, including sportswear, geared toward the younger shopper. Kiss the Frog – offering one-of-a-kind children’s clothing, furniture, and gift items, along with a full range of creative decorative services, including wall murals.