by Kristin Schneider
The City of Fitchburg’s Main Street has long been filled with empty storefronts. However, the last few years have seen an enhancement in the downtown area. From Fitchburg States University’s ideaLab to the restorations on City Hall, Fitchburg’s downtown is seeing steady improvement and drawing people in. One such draw being the newly opened consignment shop, The Emporium.
Nestled on Main Street, just past TD Bank, The Emporium is a curious shop with an allure all on it’s own. Walking past the large storefront window gives a glimpse into the shop’s wide selection and quaint atmosphere. From antique toys to furniture sets, leather jackets, and porcelain dolls, The Emporium has a little bit of something for everyone. 
Beth LeBlanc, a Fitchburg State alumni, and her business partner Shireen Flowers officially opened the store back in early July, though they were collecting long before opening their shop. LeBlanc says that they, “…started off really small with just stuff that [they] had collected, a couple storage units that [she] had bought. And then within the first month, it was just full.”

Outside of the products LeBlanc and Flowers bring in themselves, the two have partnered with American Hat Makers, a North American run, hat manufacturer, to sell their product in-store. They also have rental spaces in their shop, for anyone who would like to sell merchandise without having to open up their own storefront. 
The two have more plans in the making. Outside of partnering with other local and American run brands, the two have hopes to take over the shop space next to theirs as well. With plans to open “The Queen Bee,” a locally sourced, farm-to-table dinner. On the topic, LeBlanc says “…we’ll be grabbing everything right off the farm, and then bringing right down here and it’ll be on the plate the same day.”
The Emporium is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.