Nuvonivo to close downtown Raleigh shop, plans future location

But it's not the end for the shop. The owners' sights are set on finding a new location and turning it into a lifestyle center for families.

Posted 12:47 a.m. Jun 29, 2016 — Updated 11:30 p.m. Jun 29, 2016

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Nuvonivo, the downtown Raleigh boutique, is closing its store on Hargett Street in a few weeks, but it's not the end for the shop.

As I alluded to briefly a couple of weeks ago, Ray Malouf, who launched the shop, part of a long-running family business, has plans to expand Nuvonivo's community offerings, such as craft programs and music classes. Malouf now is looking for a new location and new partners to expand into a lifestyle center for kids.

"As a business and a family, we are very excited about our new upcoming journey with nuvonivo," Malouf tells me.

The shop, which opened in August 2013 at 111 Hargett St., will close on July 16. Until it closes, most seasonal merchandise will be on clearance. It's online store will continue to operate after it closes.

The Malouf family plans to expand the Nuvonivo shop concept into a lifestyle center, according to a press release. The new location will still focus on being an outfitter for kids, but plans also include building a place that

Teams up with local partners to provide services related to children’s music, education and the arts.
Offers a flexible space for meet ups, family activities and events.
Showcases a wider selection of unique brands, locally made gifts and accessories.
Expands its participation in charitable works that focus on local children's needs.

“Nüvonivo is more than a store for babies and kids,” said Malouf, who is a father of one. “It has been an exciting project, … and we are now refocusing ourselves to become an even more important part of our growing community in Raleigh, N.C.”

The family owned and operated business is part of the successful garments wholesale company, Eastern Commercial Agency, which specializes in the sale and distribution of many of the same children’s clothing brands that have been sold at nüvonivo. ECA celebrated its 50th anniversary in April.

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