Bath shop to open in downtown Longmont

LONGMONT — Using the same “pop-up” strategy that worked once before, a Longmont entrepreneur is opening a bath-accessories store in a former downtown restaurant space.

Jennifer Ferguson, owner of the Bricks gift shop at 512 Fourth Ave., will open Beth’s Bath Shoppe – billed as “a storefront entirely dedicated to making getting clean even more fun than getting dirty” – in a space formerly occupied by Smokin Bowls. She said she’ll have a “sneak peek” opening this Saturday and then a grand opening from 2 to 6 p.m. Aug. 13 during a downtown sidewalk sale.

“I love this space right in the heart of Main Street,” said Rebecca Gafner, co-owner of the Gafner Hospitality Group’s family of restaurants, which includes The Roost and Jefe’s Tacos and Tequila. “As sad as I was about needing to close the doors on Smokin Bowls, I am so excited to see this pop-up come in and bring some fresh new energy to the space.”

The Gafners’ restaurants still utilize the kitchen in the back of the space and will continue to, Ferguson said, adding that they had thought of opening a retail bakery there but were too busy.

“Rebecca wanted the front to be an active space, so I’m opening Beth’s as a pop-up there through December,” Ferguson said. She started Bricks as a pop-up in September 2020 and that store is celebrating a year in its permanent Fourth Avenue space, she said, adding that she hopes the formula will work for Beth’s as well.

The new 1,500-square-foot shop will offer a variety of products including locally made artisan soaps, bath salts, shower steamers and fiber products such as slippers, robes and felted soaps.

“As I was dreaming up possibilities for this space, I felt a bath store would really add to the growing downtown retail scene,” Ferguson said. “Beth’s will bring a diverse and youthful vibe to Main Street by carrying unique and fun products that even kids and teens will be excited about.”

The store initially will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with a possibility of extended hours through the holiday shopping season. Ferguson said she also hopes to host classes and parties where people can make their own bath salts.

About that name: Who’s Beth?

“Beth is my sister,” Ferguson said. “She lives in Georgia. I want her to move here.”

on Facebook on LinkedIn