Perrywinkle's Plaza is blossoming, with two new tenants in place and landscaping work to be done during the next two weeks.

General Trading Company and Vermont Toy and Hobby both opened earlier this year.

Perrywinkle's Plaza owner Perry Sporn said it helps that both stores were well established, with a good customer base.

"We're always looking for the right fit. They are two of the better retailers in their market," he said.

Vermont Toy and Hobby has shown how to compete with big box stores, Sporn said, by offering a wide selection of unique, affordable and hand-made toys, games and hobby supplies.

"There's a business that could've been wiped out. They're a perfect example of how you can thrive next to them," he said.

Sporn said General Trading Company owner Susan Coffey has a tremendous business and clientele.

"Her business sells better products to a discriminating customer. The building itself has to make a distinction for her," he said.

Coffey said the old store closed at the end of January and the new store opened Feb. 9.

"The move took us a little longer than I thought to get everything situated," she said.

The store was at its Plattsburgh Plaza location for almost 16 years, Coffey said.

She said the landlords at Plattsburgh Plaza were great, but it just seemed like the time to make a move. Smithfield Boulevard is much more of a high-traffic area, Coffey said, and will be even more so when Target opens Oct. 12.

"Locals knew where Plattsburgh Plaza was, but this location is more visible to out-of-town visitors," she said. "There's been a really noticeable increase in traffic. I'm happy with it now that we're settled."

The large inventory provides a variety of color and bright visuals. The move allowed Coffey to add the Yankee Candle line to her inventory, which has been very popular, she said.

Another section of the store is dedicated to Vera Bradley handbags.