Prima Dora moves to the front of Barrels and Amps
Lazer Beam toy store opens in old location.
Prima Dora sign in new location.
Prima Dora gift store is moving into the former live music room in Barrels and Amps on the corner of Eighth Street and Austin Avenue.
Prima Dora sells games and gifts geared toward adults — such as cocktail wear, adult card games and candles. The new location will open August 9 at 5 p.m. with a ‘big party’ that is free to the public.
“The store will be fully opened,” Co-owner Melody English said. “A lot of the artists will be here. So people can come meet and hang out with the artists [whose merchandise we sell], and grab a cocktail next door.”
The owners of Barrels and Amps, Dina and Karl Meixsell, own the building. During overlapping business hours, the door dividing Prima Dora from the restaurant will be open. Customers will be allowed to float between the bar and the store, making it a collaborative experience.
“We could not be any luckier to have Dina and Karl as landlords and neighbors,” Ms. English said. “They’re just wonderful.”
Prima Dora will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday after the move. They are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, they operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
‘Lazer Beam’ gift shop moving in
Lazer Beam, a family-friendly store that identifies itself as a “purveyor of curious distractions,” will open August 30 in the old Prima Dora location at 114 West Eighth Street.
The store is also co-owned by Melody English. Lazer Beam, however, will be a different concept than Prima Dora.
“It will be more family friendly with fun things for all ages to play with and explore,” Ms. English said. “We’ll have a whole line of kids books, teen books, games for all ages. It will be a more light-hearted type of store with no serious stuff like candles or cocktail wear. We’re not going to have any cuss words on socks or weed stuff.”
She said they hope the spot can support local artists.
“It’s all going to be fun, funky, unique gifts,” she said. “Everything to make you think and have fun.”
For more information, visit Prima Dora’s facebook at www.facebook.com/PrimaDoraGT or call 512-688-2291.