It’s like “musical chairs” in downtown Landrum these days. One shop moves out  and another shop quickly takes its place. It might have started with Architectural Warehouse leaving Landrum to consolidate locations in Tryon. The large empty warehouse didn’t stay empty for long. The building is now known as The Collective and houses three interesting establishments.

Imagination Station II, the enjoyable toy store packed full of toys, formerly in the little house on Church Street, quickly relocated to The Collective to be in the midst of downtown. The large, brightly lit display area shows off the exciting assortment of toys for all ages and interests.

Millstone Gallery, originally located in the house next to CVS, is also part of The Collective. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Staying open later allows Hare and Hound patrons from next door a chance to stroll through the gallery.

Pee Ridge Vintiques completes the trio of shops that form The Collective. When Expressions Flower Shop, the previous tenant next to the paint store on Trade Street, relocated last year to Rutherford Street, Cindy McKenzie opened Pee Ridge Vintiques in that spot, specializing in custom chalk painted furniture. When a space was available in The Collective, closer to Rutherford, Cindy decided to take advantage of the new locality. The shop stays open late on Friday and Saturday, giving evening browsers time to visit. A line of custom order, organic dyed linens, Bella Notte, has been added along with Loloi custom order rugs.

With Pee Ridge Vintiques leaving their original location next to the paint store, it presented an opportunity for Charming Pet Boutique to relocate. The boutique offers grooming for dogs and cats (yes, even cats need an occasional spa day!), doggy day camp, boarding, boutique shopping, and can provide pet taxi service to and from the whole Foothills area. For information phone 864-457-2475.

When The Nest on Rutherford Street, next to Landrum Hardware, decided to return to Tryon, another space was available. Jenniraye Arlas, owner of the specialty children’s shop, Honey Child, open in Landrum for ten years, knew she needed more room and this was her opportunity. The new space is currently being renovated. Honey Child will occupy their present space plus the new space, opening about September 1.

Horse and Home occupied two units and consolidated to one shop. The corner space at 200 E. Rutherford was what Pam Walker had been looking for to open a skin care boutique in Landrum. Organic Works, an organic skincare and nails spa, is now open. For information or an appointment phone 864-457-1147 or visit the website OrganicWorksLandrum.com.

Operation Hope Thrift Store has been reopened and is now Within Reach Thrift Store, operated with volunteers by the Operation Hope Ministry. The large center features a selection of good used clothing and household goods.

Kim Karaman of Landrum Antiques and Furniture felt her block of businesses needed a refreshing new look and reorganization. The old awning was torn down. Black and gold awnings over the windows and a crisp, striped awning over the entry were added. The old entrance was replaced with inviting, clear glass doors. Because there are several different businesses located here, a bold, new sign reads “The Shops At LAM.” Thrill of the Hunt, Olive and Then Some, High Cotton, and Fresh Décor are found within the building.

Doug Morgan’s Thrill of the Hunt features antiques and collectibles. Several paintings and accessories are geared to the equestrian community. A unique line of stained glass lighting is scattered throughout the antique furnishings.

Olive and Then Some offers a complete selection of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. This shop is a branch of the Spartanburg and Simpsonville locations.

Kim Karaman and Charlotte Hall (known to her customers as Miss Charlotte) showcase antiques, reproductions, plus latest furniture styles in High Cotton.

Browsing through the many selections in High Cotton is always an interesting way to spend a morning or afternoon searching for a unique item to brighten up the décor in your home.

And speaking of décor, Fresh Décor, a boutique by Regeneration Interiors, is a new decorator shop located in the shops of LAM. You can enter from High Cotton or directly from Rutherford through the bright green door. Ginny Ezell and Mariah Cooper are interior design specialists along with design assistant, Susan Johnson. An exquisite selection of home furnishings is available in the boutique. Paintings by local artist Mark Genero, handloomed carpets, private labeled candles, distinctive lighting, and responsibly forested furniture all complete the sophisticated offerings in this ‘one of its kind for Landrum’ boutique.

Security Finance left their location in the Prince Plaza on Rutherford for a downtown location on Trade Street. Lael Dann, owner of Be Well Massage, located next to the former finance business, had been dreaming of a healthy, specialty, food store concept and decided it was the perfect opportunity to create her dream. Local Yocal, with its locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, vitamins and supplements, will open mid September.

Interested in Irish dancing? Realta School of Irish Dance is coming to Landrum with dance classes starting in September. Phone 864-510-3691 for information.

When checking out the new shops and locations, don’t forget the tried and true. Sissy’s, PJ’s, and Kenzie’s fall and winter lines are arriving. The antique shops, Another Time Another Place, Carolina Antiques and Expressions are always bringing in new finds. Gift shops Perry Ltd. and Lavender Sage will be preparing for Halloween and, yes, Christmas. Peek at the charming kittens in P3’s window.

Fall is around the corner. Children are headed back to school. Downtown Landrum, old and new, is the place to be. Downtown…it is a changing!