AMESBURY — It’s official – after a months-long pop-up, local boutique Caravan is moving into the historic Fuller Building permanently.
Last summer, Caravan moved into the space alongside New Hampshire-based furniture store Salvage Modern for a pop-up that was originally supposed to run until September.
The pop-up was extended through the holiday season and then discussions about the future of space began to take place.
Caravan owner Jen Silver said the owners of the Fuller Building were planning on renovating the building but ultimately decided against the project and let Caravan stay in the space.
Silver said she is happy to have been given the green light to remain in the building indefinitely after a period of uncertainty.
“It’s a huge weight lifted. We were kind of living in limbo for a little bit” she said.
Now that the pop-up has concluded, the store will be solely Caravan, but will still host Salvage Modern in the space.
Located near Market Square on Main Street, the Fuller Building provides a larger, 2,400 square-foot space for Caravan, something Silver said will allow the business to display new merchandise.
“We’re really excited to bring on new brands and new inventory and expand the offerings of what Caravan already does. But, adding women’s lingerie, shoes and other additions that feel like they’re aligned with our brand and our vision,” she said.
The location of the Fuller Building has also been good for business, Silver said, with many new customers discovering her store.
“I was on a one-way before, at the high end of the street, and so I have a lot of people, even from Amesbury who are like, ‘Oh, when did you open?’ I don’t begrudge it. I am joyful for all of the new customers and however they’re finding us, we’re just thankful that they’re here,” she said.
Amesbury Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheila Beach said she is happy to see Caravan occupying the space indefinitely.
“We’re thrilled to see Caravan transition into a permanent, full-time presence at the Fuller Building. Jen has built something truly special with Caravan and seeing it evolve from a successful pop-up into a long-term fixture in such an iconic space is a testament to her commitment to our community,” she said.
Now, as Silver looks forward to the future of her store, she hopes to continue to support other local businesses as the city expands.
“There is a really beautiful energy that is happening in Amesbury, and I always credit longstanding businesses such as Market Square Bakehouse, Silvaticus, Billie’s, Flatbread,” she said. “They created the groundwork for businesses like myself and other businesses to come in and thrive. My hope and goal is that we all just continue to love and support each other in a way where Amesbury continues to be a destination on the North Shore.”