Lingerie store is moving to a new spot after 30 years in downtown SLO. Here’s why
A lingerie store is moving to a new spot in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Fanny Wrappers, which opened about 30 years ago, is leaving its longtime home at 799 Higuera St.
The shop, which specializes in lingerie such as bras and corsets as well as hosiery and sleepwear, will re-open in October in the retail space formerly occupied by women’s clothing store Fiore.
Fanny Wrappers owner Samantha “Sam” Phelps cited the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic as a reason for the move to 856 Higuera St.
“It will help us save money and trying to adjust to the new way of doing COVID,” Phelps said, calling the new space a “killer deal.” “We want to continue to be here and serve the community.”
The store is the latest downtown SLO business to shutter or move amid economic upheaval from the virus. Two others that have moved in the downtown corridor include the Flip Flop Shop and the Hemp Shak. The owner of Ciopinot and La Esquina swapped his business locations near the Creamery.
Several other shops have closed, including: Bella B., Fiore, Len Collective, Peet’s Coffee and The Sock Drawer. Two large family-owned stores are out as well: Beverly’s Fabric and Crafts announced its impending closure at the end of November; Charles Shoes closed last year.
Fanny Wrappers’ new location, which has 1,100 square feet of ground floor retail space, is about 300 square feet less than its current location, she said.
The business created a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to cover the cost of moving the store’s signature sign.
“With the costs of the move, compounded with the other negative financial impacts we have already suffered, we are just coming up too short on funds to move our iconic neon sign,” Phelps writes on the GoFundMe page. “Asking our wonderful customers and the public for help is the last thing we want to have to do, but thought others might be sad to no longer see our neon pink Fanny Wrappers sign lighting up Higuera.”
As of Wednesday morning, about $720 had been raised toward a $6,000 goal.
Phelps said Fanny Wrappers, which is currently run by a team of three employees, has some items “you just can’t find online, offering styles and sizes with a personal touch.
Phelps said she didn’t know if another business will move in to Fanny Wrappers’ old location.
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