Bob Ellis celebrates 60 years

Bob Ellis shoe shop at 322 King St. in downtown Charleston has a notable anniversary to celebrate this month.

Owned locally by the Kalinsky family, the store under its stewardship turns 60 years old Feb. 23.

The shop originally was owned by the Ellison family, and the Kalinsky family kept the name when they acquired it in 1950.

Plans are under way to mark the occasion, but details have not been firmed up, Bob Ellis vice president Barry Kalinsky said.

Lights out

Charleston Lighting and Interiors is closing its shop at 1109 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.

All items are up to 75 percent off. The store will close by March 1. The Quoizel-owned store has other shops at 1640 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. in West Ashley and 850 Bacons Bridge Road in Summerville. Those stores are not affected by the closing.

Also, Point Break clothing and skateboards at 369 King St. in downtown Charleston plans to close by Feb. 26, according to manager Jeff Turner. "Charleston is just dead for us," he said.

The store has been open for four years.

Lights on

Caroline's Market and Catering has opened at 55 Windermere Blvd., behind Earth Fare in West Ashley. Caroline Bevon, owner of Catering by Caroline, is now providing a retail outlet for fresh food to go and an event room for private functions. The shop is closed Sundays.

Also, Lavish Nail Boutique now has two locations. The shop that first opened last year at 938 Savannah Highway in West Ashley, recently opened a salon at 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. Its services have been expanded to include skin care, waxing, massage and eyelash extensions, according to owner Andi Eddlemon.

Wed threads

Downtown Charleston has a new consignment shop for brides.

Fabulous Frocks of Charleston, a luxe consignment bridal boutique, recently opened at 47 1/2 Spring St. in what's called the "wedding corridor." It offers new, once-wed and sample designer bridal gowns for sale. It also accepts bridal gowns on consignment.

Its sister store is Belle Couture Bridal in Mount Pleasant. Both shops are owned by Sarah Black. The new shop is open by appointment only.

Retail radar

Rob Bennett of James Island and Deidre Blair of Mount Pleasant have started a new company called Carolina Affordable Caskets, which sells directly to families instead of them purchasing through a funeral home.

In the know? Do you know of a business that is opening, closing or expanding? Reach Warren Wise at 937-5524 or wwise@postandcourier.com.