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NILES — A new clothing store recently opened its doors in downtown Niles.

The Vagabond Girls Boutique and Artisan Marketplace, 218 N. Front St., Niles, opened its doors for the first time Saturday, Nov. 26 on Small Business Saturday. 

During the holiday season, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Founded by friends Nancy Dicicco and Diane Scott, the store offers what the duo describes as a trendy and affordable women’s clothing, (from small to curvy) specializing in small quantities, with new items arriving daily to keep styles fresh, classy and playful. The shop also features jewelry, accessories, hats, artisan, gifts, home décor and more.

The two friends decided to move to the Niles area from Indiana three years ago after vacationing in the area and had previously operated a shop in a community similar to Niles. According to Scott, one of the reasons they decided to open a business downtown was because of the many women-owned businesses in the area. She said the reception the shop has received has been positive.

“There’s been a lot of excitement,” Scott said. “A lot of people have been really happy to see us and very kind. ‘So glad you’re here’ is what I heard a lot today.”

Dicicco and Scott are happy to bring a clothing store back to downtown Niles and believe their success may inspire entrepreneurs to do the same.

“I think it takes a couple people to get it started and then people will see if it works well and then they’ll come back to town,” Dicicco said. “We’re hoping that we can get a vibrant retail community and all of us work together for the betterment of the town.”