Shophigh-end'clothing in Pike County
MILFORD- A new clothing store has opened in Milford that carries what the owner describes as high-end New York clothes. Divine Shanty, located on 112 West Main Street, opened last Saturday. A Pike County Chamber of Commerce director, Bill Cohen, pointed out that Pike is the fastest growing county in the state, so it’s ripe for this kind of business. Heather Dibble, the owner of Divine Shanty worked for the CEO of Tommy Hilfiger in Manhattan for three or four years. She said, “I live in Milford. I decided it needed some nice New York clothes.” Although bargains can be found traversing the streets of Manhattan, Divine Shanty isn’t offering that city experience. In a quick walk through, a ticket price for Sacred Blue Jeans (made in the U.S.A.) was $182, a sweater by Casting for $165, another sweater by Minnie Rose for $208 and slacks by Womyn for $166. In fact the lowest priced item in the quick check seemed to be a long sleeved ribbed shirt for $55. But there is a void of clothing shops in the area, said Cohen. Before last Saturday’s ribbon cutting ceremony at the store on 112 West Main St., Hurwitz said with this store opening, there are only three clothing shops in Milford, excluding Wal-Mart and K Mart and second hand shops. Another chamber director, Phil Hurwitz, described the county as a sort of haven for Manhattanite flight from the city, due in part to home prices, but also, he said, much of the migration is, “a direct result of 9/11.” According to census figures (quickfacts.census.gov), Pike County’s population grew 16.9 percent from April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2004 (four times the national average of 4.3 percent). Cohen said the growth is “a double-edged sword,” saying the chamber supports tourism, art galleries, antique stores and other businesses, such as Divine Shanty. But he said the infrastructure, such as the non-stop stream of cars passing by on Main Street by noon last Saturday, is a concern. “It’s a town with one traffic light,” he said. In addition to the “upscale” clothing, other offerings at Divine Shanty will include jewelry by Judith Neugebauer. (At the opening Neugebauer wore a sterling silver and 23 kt gold leaf necklace and earring pieces she designed.) And Divine Shanty will eventually also carry handbags and shoes and belts. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.