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New shops in Camelot in merry month of May

Storefronts home to new upscale dry cleaner, paddleboard store and Urban Studio hair stylist services.
May 21, 2014

The three new stores that recently opened in the Shoppes of Camelot share at least one thing in common; if nothing else, they share a theme of transformation.

From the high-end dry cleaners at Park Avenue to the board sport enthusiasts at Delmarva Board Sport Adventures and the owner-operated shabby chic salon, Urban Studio, this shopping center has undergone a makeover.

The springtime opening of these three establishments not only transformed the visage of the Camelot shopping center, but owners said they hope to change the expectation of service, quality and personal style for their clientele as well.

Park Avenue Dry Cleaners transform service expectations

Coming to dry cleaning from a background in hospitality, Park Avenue Dry Clears owner Jeong Kim said he hopes to change the experience of going to a dry cleaner into something more like that of visiting a high-end hotel.

“The atmosphere doesn’t strike you as a dry cleaner and the people who have used us are amazed at the quality service with an affordable, modest price,” Kim said in the entry of his business, which features a crystal chandelier and dressing room, along with concierge service to pick up and drop off laundered clothing.

Kim said his unit of Camelot was formerly occupied by a chiropractor, so when he came in to open Park Avenue, the whole storefront was given a makeover to resemble the high-end hotels whose service he aimed to emulate.

“I always feel like I am well taken care of at a nice hotel,” he said. “I want my clients to have that experience when they come in.”

Even since the early-April opening, Park Avenue has already developed a following. Lewes resident Theresa Sciortino said her brother sent her to Park Avenue last month and she hasn’t looked back since.

“Myself and my family member have been coming here since Kim opened and we are thrilled,” Sciortino said. “We love it.”

For more information, call Park Avenue Dry Cleaners at 302-703-0720.

Delmarva Board Sport Adventures change the outdoor experience

After Delmarva Board Sport Adventures owner George Markopoulis witnessed the success of a paddleboard store he opened in the outlets with his wife over the Christmas season in 2013, Markopoulis said he knew the Cape Region was ready to go big on the transformative lifestyle of paddleboarding.

By March, the Camelot paddleboard shop of Delmarva Board Sports Adventures opened its doors with dozens of models of the stand-up boards, which range from nine to 12 feet and start at nearly $800 for purchase.

With such a hefty investment involved in the purchase of a paddleboard, Markopoulis said his company offers a demonstration program to be sure his customers are getting the right board.

For $30, he said customers may try a number boards and then the cost will be applied toward the purchase.

“Try a variety and whichever one makes you warm and fuzzy, we apply the $30 toward the board,” Markopoulis said. “It’s a no-brainer.”

But paddleboard sales are just one aspect of the business, Markopoulis said. He offers lessons and paddleboards are also available for rent. Delmarva Board Sport Adventures also runs outdoor excursions through the Inland Bays all summer.

The store offers paddleboards specialized for children, families, yoga, fishing and more extreme techniques, along with all the clothing and additional supplies any paddler would need to adopt the paddleboard lifestyle this store caters to.

“Paddleboarding is very transformative,” Markopoulis said. “It will really change your life and it’s a great core workout.”

To contact Delmarva Board Sport Adventures, call 302-260-9008.

Urban Studio redoes the ‘do'

Sometimes a change of scenery can be transformative and for Jessica Blakeman, owner of Urban Studio, her move back to Rehoboth has been a breath of fresh (h)air.

Though Urban Studio opened in Milton, Blakeman said she started her career in the Rehoboth Beach area and said she’s happy to be closer to the beach.

“I love being back down in Rehoboth,” Blakeman said. “The visibility is very nice.”

She offers men's and women's hair cuts, color, keratin treatments and hair extensions at her new location, and Blakeman said she wants to make the experience of getting a style transformation comfortable for her clientele

With her shabby-chic salon decor and calming disposition, Blakeman said she wants to make the makeover experience stress-free.

“I want my clients to feel like they are at home,” she said.

To make an appointment at Urban Studio, call 302-226-1112.

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