Its front window offers an impressive view of Allen County Court House.

It's inside view offers a similar, impressive, selection of women's clothing. That selection attracts a loyal customer base from across Ohio including several from Bluffton.

It's Nitza's Ladies Boutique and Tailor Shop, downtown Lima at The Met Block, one of The Icon's newest advertisers. The Icon talked with owners Karen Barrington and Elizabeth Leis recently about their downtown Lima women's shop. Here's what we can share with Icon viewers:

The shop's Facebook page describes it this way: Nitza's is a small specialty boutique with a wonderful collection of quality women's clothing. We feature lines such as Pendleton, City Girl, Frank Lyman, Conrad C, Skovhuus and many other dressy casual clothes that work for almost every occasion.

"You may be going somewhere to look special. We put it all together," says Nitza's co-owner, Karen. "We have a wide selection of jackets, separates, pants, shirts, jewelry, scarves and dresses. We carry brand names not found in the mall."

Nitza's provides customers with a 'personal shopper' approach. This often translates to husbands visiting the shop, feeling comfortable with the owners' shopping suggestions for their spouses.

The Barrington-Leis combination allows for creativity when ordering selections for the shop.

"We tend to favor different looks," said Elizabeth. "I'm more conservative and she's (Karen) is more trendy. Karen adds: "We buy merchandise that the customer likes. "

In the past three months the shop has had a total new look with new lighting and new flooring. "Ultimately we hope to knock out some walls and expand further," said Karen.

"We are creating a shopping experience in The Met Block," said Leis. "We are already marketing with pears avenue (see related story in The Icon) and with Hofeller, Hiatt & Clark, men's clothier, across the street."

Need an out fit altered? No problem. Nitza's is also a tailor shop. Jan Montgomery, tailor, offers alternations and custom sewing for all ages.

Another interesting feature of the shop is "Alex" beautiful Samoyed dog, often seen as a window decoration.

Nitza's offers customer-free parking on the side and rear of The Met Block.

JEWELRY SALE: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26-27-28, Nitza's offers a "buy one, get one free sale on all jewelry."

Coming: More photos and a video

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Nitza's: Ladies Boutique and Tailor Shop
300 N. Main St., Lima, Ohio 45801
Downtown at The Met Block
419-227-3877
Fax: 419-227-8438
[email protected]
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nitzasinlima

HOURS
Monday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.