Couture for Men is opening in a new location. Around November 1st, the store that has sat in the Centennial Mall in Hays for 6 years will be moving to Downtown Hays.  The store will relocate to 1109 and 1111 Main St.  The move will provide approximately 1500 square feet of additional space.  The additional space will allow Couture for Men to add room “For Ladies” both to their name and and to their selection.  The move is planned to take place November 1st.

In addition to Couture for Men & Women, two other retailers are taking a strong look at Downtown Hays. Aaron White, Executive Director for the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development, told Hays Post that both interested stores specialize in clothing.  White said that one store in particular is targeted more towards the FHSU / young adult crowd, though White wasn’t able to release any further details on the identity of the stores.  The potential developers have looked strongly at multiple locations and are in the early phases of negotiations.

White had mentioned previously that Hays has a very strong retail pull, a factor that is extremely attractive to potential businesses when considering where to expand next.  He added that many businesses that overlooked Hays in the past are now coming back and having serious discussions about available locations.  Some of the locations currently available that are generating interest are located on Main St.

Kelli Hansen with Liberty Group, Inc., which owns multiple addresses in Downtown Hays, stated that in addition to Couture for Men moving into two of their buildings, several restaurants have expressed interest in the area as well.  Additional details weren’t able to released, and won’t be made public until agreements are made with the incoming businesses.  She did confirm that the interested parties may move forward with plans, but she had nothing official to report or comment on at this time.