The Colonial Marketplace used to be a lonely place. But since developer Dick Pace took over in September and renamed it the 5th Street Arcades about half of the empty spaces are now lined up with new local tenants. "People have repeated many times that they really want to see local shops, local boutiques, local vendors," he says. Here's a look at three new spots to check out.
Chocolate 76
Melanie Neal has been selling her infused chocolates from her home for about five years. The native Clevelander buys her chocolate and spices locally to create flavors such as chocolate chipotle. "I like that [5th Street Arcades is] into local — they're not looking to put franchises and chains inside," she says. "I feel great about being a part of it." chocolate76.com
The Factory 2.0
A fashion design incubator that's helping nurture local labels such as Georgie & Elaine, The Factory 2.0 also offers marketing, branding and finance services for new designers. "The Factory is to help develop a professional [fashion] landscape here in Cleveland so we can keep all of our talent local," says founder Devin Vander Maas. Merchandise from incubator clients will be for sale as well. thefactory20.com
Rid-All Green Partnership
In April, Rid-All Green Partnership, which started out as an urban farm, will sell Reconstructive Gear, a hip clothing line created by farm site manager and fashion designer Marc White. Look for hoodies, T-shirts and caps inspired by Rid-All's comic book series, Brink City: Green in the Ghetto, and even vegetables and bags of soil. "It'll be a very different, eclectic kind of store," says co-founder Randell McShepard. ridallcorp.com
