Shop openings, a vintage pop-up, and a shop closing

A couple of new businesses have opened at the long-shuttered southeast corner of Euclid and McPherson following the 2022 fire. In celebration of the revival, there’s been a ribbon cutting to mark the occasion. The latest was last Saturday, November 16, at T Nails Spa, 4738 McPherson.  Those participating were Rothschild St. Louis’ Scott Sturdevant, R. G. Ross’s Dustin Schwartz (contractor), Pete Rothschild, T Nails Spa proprietor Mary Huynh, and several staff members.

Huynh has been in the industry for more than 20 years, 10 of which have been working around the Central West End. She chose to open a shop on McPherson because, she said, she likes the potential that CWE offers for businesses. A view of the spa’s  interior, above. For information on services—manicures, pedicures, nail art, and more— click here.

T Nails Spa, (314) 600-7988, Mon.-Fri. 9 to 7, Sat. 8:30 to 7, Sun. 10 to 5.

A few weeks earlier, a grand opening was held for Rushmore Boutique, 4742 McPherson. The shop was formerly located in Alton, IL

Those participating in that ribbon-cutting were, from left, proprietor Sydnie Rushing’s husband Steve Smith, Pete and Donna Rothschild, Sydnie Rushing, 9th Ward Alderman Michael Browning, and Sydnie’s sister Baylie Rushing.

After her first few weeks in business, Rushing reported that she was excited to be part of a community that holds such admiration for their neighborhood. “I’ve been welcomed with open arms and can’t wait to help grow and sustain the McPherson end of the CWE!”

On the advice of her mother, Rushing stocks the handsome shop with items that would appeal to grandmothers, mothers, and daughters.  “Perhaps they come in together, and each can find something to love,” said Rushing.

You’ll find a wide variety of merchandise in the handsome space, including dresses, coats, pants, sweaters, purses, jewelry and hair accessories. To keep things fresh, Rushing adds new merchandise the first week of each month, and never stocks the same thing twice.

Rushmore Boutique, 4742 McPherson, Weds.-Sat. 11 to 6, Sun. Noon until ?,

Construction delays have caused Erica and Eugene Tsimerman to postpone opening Pass the Past Coffee at 4740 McPherson (between T Nails Spa and Rushmore Boutique) until, hopefully, Valentine’s Day 2025.

In the meantime, the couple is hosting a pop-up shop at #12 Maryland Plaza (between Laser Away and Twisted Ranch) for their extensive vintage collection. (The new shop on McPherson will be a combination of vintage and a coffee bar.)When I stopped into the popup on opening day, Saturday, November 16, the Tsimermans were still stocking the shop with merchandise including coats, purses, accessories, and housewares. You’ll also find a selection of children’s apparel..Pass the Past is known for its impeccable collection. If you’re looking for Fair Isle sweaters, these look brand-new, $58.

Pass the Past will be open at #12 Maryland from Thurs. – Sun. 11 to 6 until Christmas.

It’s fitting that I stopped by CWE Cyclery (formerly Mike’s Bikes) after dark for this post, as that’s how I feel about the shop’s closing. The shop opened at 312 N. Euclid 12 years ago and is closing its doors this Saturday, November 23.

I was told by co-proprietor Matt McRedmond that the neighborhood definitely supports a bike shop, but he and his partner Eric Schilling are just tired and want to move on. In the meantime, all merchandise, bikes, helmets, and accessories, are 40 to 90% off.  Fuji Rookie size 12″ bikes, above, $239, are now $109.A Fuji Dynamite Pro DISC bike was $499 and is on sale for $199. There are other bikes on the floor that are marked down as well.

CWE Cyclery, 234 N. Euclid, open until this Sat. 10 to 6.