Monica Potter’s Home Headlines New Shops at the Arcade

The Republican National Convention is a matter of days away and bars and restaurants are gearing up for the rush, but the Cleveland Arcade is offering up some retail therapy too. New temporary retailers are setting up shop in the 1890-built landmark, which was the first indoor shopping center in the US. We caught up with five of the new shops, which might become permanent fixtures once the RNC leaves town.

216 Gallery: Currently housing paintings, jewelry and pottery by artists from Paris, Chicago, Senegal and Cleveland, this frequent pop-up gallery is hoping to make the Arcade space a permanent home. After envisioning her own space last October, owner Suzanne Sebold decided to take after her father and grandfather and open her own small business. “Cleveland has a great local presence of artists,” she says. “I just feel like all the momentum in the world is right here, right now and I love to be a part of it.”

Cleveland in a Box: Loved ones couldn’t make it to the RNC? Send them a box of Cleveland goodies to make them jealous — or just to be nice. For $30, pick five items from their selection of treats from the city such as Bertman’s Ball Park Mustard, Peterson’s Nuts or the classic Humphrey Popcorn ball. Other items to choose from are custom-made Cleveland T-shirts and souvenirs from Great Lakes Brewing Co., the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and all of Cleveland’s sports teams. “The city is making such a comeback,” says co-owner Allison Tinnirello. “It’s nice to be able to share it with more people.” clevelandinabox.com

Hidden Closet Boutique: Linda Marconi has loved clothes and shopping ever since she was a little girl, so 13 years ago she decided to make a career of the two by opening her permanent shop in Chagrin Falls. But this month, find fun and trendy pieces of clothing, handbags and jewelry handpicked by Marconi on her visits to Las Vegas, New York and Chicago in this intimate two-room space. “I’m happy for all the [shop owners] who decided to take the plunge and come down here,” Marconi says. “We've put a lot of work into this, and most of us have a store somewhere else.”

J3 Clothing Co.: Opening July 11, this high-end men’s boutique will sell everything from suits, to dress shirts, jeans and sportswear. Far from a pop-up, owners Joe Paster, Jack Madda and JB Dunn have a flagship store in Moreland Hills, but plan to make this store permanent as well. “We didn’t just bring down clothes and throw them on rolling racks — it’s a real store,” says Paster. “We want to stay down here as long as the economics work for us.” j3clothing.co

Monica Potter Home: The pleasant aroma of lavender and mini cupcakes greet you at Cleveland native actress Monica Potter’s skin care and home goods shop. Potter brings her personal style to what a home should look and feel like by providing everything from room fragrance sprays and rustic style furniture to kitchenwear with a country charm. “She’s a nurturer [and] a nester,” says creative director, Stephanie Dietelach. “So the things we have really speak to [making a] home comfortable, beautiful and inviting." monicapotterhome.com