Inside the Armoire, a Locust Valley retail store specializing in high-end lingerie and sleepwear, opened the doors of its second location last Friday in Manhasset.
The store, located at 338 Plandome Road, is owned by Flower Hill resident Karen Papadopoulos and her business partner Cori Bayardale, who welcomed guests with drinks and music to commemorate the grand opening.
“Our tagline is ‘Compliment yourself,’” Papadopoulos said. “We want women to feel good about themselves and treat themselves.”
Papadopoulos said she and Bayardale believe in the “shop small” philosophy of local niche businesses significantly contributing to a community’s economy. Her employees, she said, are also from Manhasset and can provide a more personal customer service experience because they know many of the residents in town.
“There aren’t a lot of lingerie stores around anymore,” Papadopoulos said. “There was one at the Americana but it closed down. [Plandome Road] seemed like the perfect location. We’re close to the Miracle Mile and are part of a small community at the same time.”
Papadopoulos described her employees as “bra-fitting experts,” who specialize in helping women find the perfect bra and avoid the health problems that could arise as a result of wearing the wrong size.
“If a woman is wearing a bra that doesn’t fit correctly, it just won’t look right, and she could develop shoulder or back problems. If the bra fits well, her posture looks better and it makes her feel good about herself,” Papadopoulos said.
Inside the Armoire, which carries luxury brands like Fantasie, Aubade and Eberjey, is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The store was nominated by the Long Island Press newsgroup last year in its annual “Best of Long Island” series, for best lingerie store.
“It’s really a labor of love,” Bayardale said.
