Lottie Ballou Moves to the Arsenal

, owner of , has moved her costume and vintage clothing shop to the Benicia Arsenal. It had been on First Street for more than three years but the rent became too high to remain downtown.

Her new location in the 940 Tyler Street building has twice the space for half the price. “I'm kind of liking it,” says Loyd, whose new neighbors are and . “We are isolated, but last night there was a 50's birthday party at the event center so people found me. They say, 'Oh, I didn't know you were out here.'”

Although Loyd misses First Street, her customer base hasn't shrunk as a result of the move. “The event center has something going on every weekend,” she says. “I like the scene here, it's different.” Just steps away is  consignment shop and , so the area is becoming a hub for alternative clothing.  

Lottie Ballou is open Wednesdays noon-7 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m. and by appointment on weekday evenings. She plans to advertise for the Halloween season so Benicians can find her.

Lottie Ballou, a Benicia business for 21 years, was named for the grandmother of the original owner, Margo Adams. Loyd has owned it for four years. “Good old Lottie, she'll be in town heck or high water!” she said.