Live Storefront Models Return...

WMTW - News 8 (ABC)

Lisa Gardner
WMTW News 8 - April, 6 2007
http://www.wmtw.com/news/11552640/detail.html Download This Story

Augusta, Maine

A little more than a year after one controversial lingerie shop closed its doors in Augusta, a new one has moved into town. ArchEnemys' grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, and like Spellbound before it, it too plans to use live models to show off its wares. The owners told News 8 that while Augusta might not be ready, they are. From her 6-inch stilettos to her pink latex dress, co-owner Carrie LaChance leaves no question as to the kind of merchandise she and her husband will be selling. "I'm really excited," she said. "We have some really cool stuff. We have latex dresses, lingerie, skirts, panty hose -- everything." LaChance and other young women will be modeling just about everything in the store live in the storefront windows, hoping to attract the attention of passers-by. Spellbound tried the same tactic last year. Their live models drew attention but also plenty of criticism from people who thought their live advertising was too risqué.LaChance explained, "We're not going to be doing anything that you can't bring your 5-year-old walking by. We're not going to be doing anything you can't see at, say, Victoria's Secret." News 8 spoke with nearby businesses to see what they think of their new neighbors. Cheryl Boucher, with Moody and Co., said, "I don't have a problem with it. It'll bring more people downtown. Downtown is dying, so we need more businesses down here." Fussbudget Sports Cards' Brad Shaw added, "I think it's great. It's just like my business. It's no different. I don't see a big hoopla about it, to be honest with you." Still, the LaChances said they're prepared for whatever hoopla might come their way. "I think there's still going to be controversy," Nate LaChance said. "People are afraid of things they don't understand. But we can try to help educate and open doors to them."