New boutique opens despite storms, economic headwinds

Amid the economic slowdown and in the wake of back-to-back super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, a local entrepreneur has pressed ahead with opening a new boutique and gift shop, saying the business had long been planned before the disasters delayed its launch.

Infinity Shop and General Merchandise officially opened its doors this week, adding another retail option for shoppers while underscoring the confidence of local businesses despite challenging conditions.

Owner Yue Mei Chen Ayuyu, who also operates August Market, said the boutique was part of an expansion plan that had been in the works for some time.

"We want to expand it. We want to have another, different one," Ayuyu said when asked why she decided to branch into a boutique.

She said the opening was originally scheduled before the storms struck the CNMI.

"We want to open already, and that's the typhoon come, and we just stop, and nothing power. And we just wait all the way to now... today to opening," Ayuyu said.

Store supervisor Evelyn Roda said the boutique offers a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, shoes and skincare products sourced from Thailand, China, and the Philippines.

"We sell a variety of items like clothes, shoes, and the skincare products. We're getting it from Thailand, China, and then also in Philippines," Roda said.

Roda said the first day exceeded expectations, with customers lining up even before opening time.

"I think 9 o'clock, there's already customers waiting outside," she said, estimating that about 20 to 25 customers had already visited during the early hours of business.

Among the early best-sellers were shirts imported from Thailand, along with dresses and coordinated clothing sets.

The boutique is located at Rita's Buildings, beside The Hut along Beach Road in Garapan. It is open Monday through Sunday from 9am to 8pm,. Customers may visit the store in person, follow Infinity Shop & Gen. Merchandise on Facebook, or connect via Instagram: @infinityshopspn for inquiries, updates, and promotions. A landline is still being arranged.

To celebrate its grand opening, the store is offering a 10% discount on all merchandise for approximately one month. Roda also said the shop carries generators, noting that two units had already been sold shortly after opening, along with portable fans and power banks—items that remain in demand following the recent typhoons.