Open for Business: Downtown Clothing Exchange

Downtown Clothing Exchange
On Sept. 23, owner Janina Hargin and assistant manager Courtney Tucker opened Downtown Clothing Exchange at 137 Park Central Square. The 1,300-square-foot store is leased for $1,250 a month from Sam Freeman of Center City Development Co. Hargin, who has a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from Missouri State University, and Tucker, a seamstress, are the only two employees. Tucker says the store specializes in secondhand clothing and re-sale of vintage clothing in the interest of recycling and reducing waste. With an emphasis on women’s clothing, Tucker says Downtown Clothing Exchange also sells men’s attire and women’s shoes, purses, jewelry and home décor. Prices range between $10 and $30. Hours: 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone: (417) 799-3321.

Star Cakes
After recently relocating from Kansas City, husband-and-wife Ted and Lisa Cothran opened Star Cakes cupcake shop on Sept. 3 at 1364 E. Republic Road. The couple and their two employees make cupcakes and cookies from the 1,300-square-foot store, which they lease for $1,500 a month from strip center owner Joseph Bartell. Ted Cothran worked in the restaurant business for 15 years, and Lisa Cothran, a teacher by trade, has baked recreationally for years. Star Cakes offers 20 cupcake flavors, including signatures red velvet, fudge and chocolate peanut butter, Ted Cothran said. Cupcakes are $2.50 apiece, $13 for six and $25 a dozen; cookies are $1 each or $5 for six. Hours: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Phone: (417) 576-3757.

Styles By Judy
In the first week of August, Judy Erickson opened Styles By Judy in Suite 29 of the 40-room Salon Suites at 1711 W. Battlefield Road. Erickson has 40 years of salon experience, including operating two salons in Lincoln, Neb., before moving to Springfield 15 years ago. Previously, she worked at Fine Lines Salon. Erickson provides cuts, coloring, perms, weaves and extensions. Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Phone: (417) 830-3162.

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