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Letter to the editor

Engineer invokes inner designer

By Sharon Ginn
Published July 20, 2007

PALMA CEIA - Technically, Laura Whitley can say she's been a designer for years - or maybe it's just more accurate to say she was a technical designer.

However Whitley explains it, it's safe to say her previous career as a mechanical engineer, designing systems for hospitals and schools bears little resemblance to her new life as a retailer. There was no room for whimsy or color before, but now she surrounds herself with it.

Her new fine gift and home store, Cazou, is scheduled to open early August at 2307 S Dale Mabry Highway, near the corner of W San Miguel Street and next door to the Suitcase clothing boutique. Whitley and partner Carol Schultz, who has experience in higher-end retail, envisioned a "sophisticated and fun" store with an emphasis on tableware.

"I did the technical stuff, now I'm doing the fun stuff," Whitley said. "I wasn't using my design background enough."

Schultz also has a background in design and was a buyer in Chicago and New York for stores including Crate and Barrel and Saks Fifth Avenue. She and Whitley will fill the store with unique wooden and metal tableware, tablecloths, botanical candles and cheerful Marimekko fabrics.

"Our whole store is fun and bright and colorful," Whitley said. "We are the opposite of earth tones. We're not one of those 'Zen calm' stores."

Cazou will offer a bridal registry and will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Movies move on

The Hollywood Video store that had occupied a highly visible storefront at Henderson Avenue and Dale Mabry since 1997 closed last month and directed customers to the company's Gandy Boulevard location.

Hollywood Video's 10-year lease at 1000 S Dale Mabry Highway had expired, said Cliff Levy, president of ICI Shopping Centers, which owns the building. Given that movie rental stores like Hollywood Video and Blockbuster have struggled in recent years, the decision wasn't a surprise, he said.

"I think the video business has changed," Levy said. "They were looking a few years ago to downsize at that location."

The store is empty and signage is down, and the building has been leased to a new tenant, a national retailer, Levy said. He declined to give further details but said the new tenant will take over the space in a few months.

Title firm relocates

It seems like an odd time to dive into the real estate business, but Vince Cassidy figures he has time to grow his title company strategically while others downsize during the market downturn.

Cassidy and two partners bought a New Jersey-based title company, renamed it and relocated it to Tampa in April. His Majesty Title Services office at 2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd. is the company's new headquarters, while the company's old offices in New Jersey and New York remain open.

Cassidy said Majesty provides title and settlement services in all 50 states, serving both national lenders and local real estate professionals.

"The main thought is this is a great time to expand the business because others are suffering and not able to expand," Cassidy said. "It is ugly out there, but it's uglier if you've been around for 10, 20 years. I'm glad things are slow because my competitors are doing things I don't have to do. All I have to do is hire people and continue to market."

Do you know something that should be everybody's business? Call 226-3394 or e-mail sharonlginn@yahoo.com.

[Last modified July 19, 2007, 08:02:19]