Novelty retro retailer opens on square

Novelty retailer Retro Nouveau opened its doors Feb. 5, filling a five-month vacancy on Park Central Square.

The former home of Downtown Clothing Exchange, the 137 Park Central Square store sells items spanning from apparel to gifts and Route 66 memorabilia.

“I opened my business downtown because of the energy and the happiness Springfield has and contributes to small businesses,” said Ferdinand Villegas, who co-owns the store with Jason Bodey.

Nouveau means new in French, and Villegas said he wanted his store to translate to “retro modern.”

Villegas said the adjacent Heer’s building and nearby History Museum on the Square also were attractive neighbors.

“With the lofts opening at Heer’s, I hope to attract more customers to my store,” Villegas said, noting he also hopes to bring in history buffs. “We are right by College Street, which was a part of Route 66, and I would like to cater to the Route 66 enthusiasts and that demographic.”

Villegas said startup costs for the business were around $15,000. The 1,500-square-foot space is subleased from Sam Freeman of Center City Development Co. The previous tenant, Downtown Clothing Exchange, leased the space for three years until September.