Hoping to attract more walk-by customers, one of Dearborn’s best known picture framing and art gallery stores is moving its operations into the West Village Commons on Michigan Avenue.

Tom Clark, owner of Village Picture Frame and Art Gallery, packs a trailer for his move from Monroe Street into the West Village Commons.

After 25 years at 1026 Monroe, just south of Michigan, Village Picture Frame and Art Gallery is packing up and moving into Burton-Katzman’s West Village Commons development, about two blocks west of its current location. Owner Tom Clark says his new Dearborn store location, next door to the closed Au Bon Pain, should be open in mid-November.

“Economics is what is prompting our move,” Clark said. “We lost a lot of workers from Ford. These were our customers. Then the restaurants around us went down one-by-one and we lost walk-by people. The bridal shop, Weight Watchers, the Salad Bar then Ciao, these businesses brought me customers, especially Ciao.”

In his new store, Clark says he is paying about half the rent of his former location and with better visibility. Businesses already in the West Village Commons includes The Well bar, a UPS store, Kabuki restaurant, La Cigar, Maestro’s Restaurant, Cold Stone Creamery and Sattva Yoga. A new martini bar also is said to be moving into the location that once housed Caribou Coffee.

It is a diverse group of businesses that will at least bring some foot traffic by Clark’s store. In turn, his new store could bring business to the other shops already there, too, and possibly attract other businesses to move into the development, which still has many vacancies.

Dearborn's Village Picture Frame and Art Gallery opens here in November.

“I hope to reopen by the middle of November,” said Clark, a 1969 Dearborn High School grad, who serves as a board member of the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority and the Dearborn Animal Shelter. “We will be moving my workroom into my new location this week. I am still servicing my clients while the move is taking place.”

As for the parking situation, Clark says he plans to validate parking passes for his customers. Being as close as his new store will be to the city’s two paid parking decks and with paid meters directly outside his door, Clark sees it as an opportunity. “I’ll provide quarters to park if that’s what it takes.”

Clark’s previous location was tastefully decorated with a great selection of many one-of-a-kind pictures, jewelry and artwork. It is the kind of retail store that makes Dearborn feel special, just as Steven Bernard Jewelers, Nichols Ski and Patio, Dearborn Music, Nigosian’s oriental rugs and Bikesport, to name some, do along the stretch of Michigan between Brady and Military. Clark says his new store will continue in that same tradition.

Despite how bleak things look now, West Village Commons won’t stay vacant forever. In his new location, Clark will have a lot more foot traffic than he is seeing today. And with the right eye candy in the display window that even eastbound traffic on Michigan could see should mean more business, which would be a good thing for him and for Dearborn retail in general.

Planning a wedding may be the largest and most memorable event that a newly engaged couple and their families will undertake.

 To help make the sometimes “overwhelming” planning process much easier, The Fairlane Club is inviting couples and others to attend a “Bridal & Bachelor Bash” from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at its banquet and conference facility located at 5000 Fairlane Woods Drive in Dearborn.

The show will feature bridal fashions from Macy’s Somerset Collection Bridal Salon and other wedding vendors from throughout Michigan. According to Christine Bane, The Fairlane Club’s Sales and Marketing Director, there will be plenty of prizes, give-aways and activities for the men as well as for the ladies.

“We’ll have a separate area for the guys just to relax, watch football and enjoy some refreshments,” said Bane.

The Fairlane Club will also provide opportunities for attendees to tour The Fairlane Club and learn about its unique wedding collections and catering services that are available for a full range of parties from engagement announcements to a newlyweds’ brunch.

“Couples may also want to bring friends and family members who will be involved in any of the decision making about the wedding plans,” added Bane. “Our goal is make this a fun and relaxing event for all.”

The cost to attend the Bridal & Bachelor Bash is $10 per person or $15 per couple. Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Fairlane Club and will also be available at the door on the day of the event.

For more details about attending the Bridal & Bachelor Bash, call Christine Bane at 313-982-1752 or email cbane@fairlaneclub.com

About The Fairlane Club

For more than 30 years, The Fairlane Club has served as Dearborn’s premier private club for social, fitness, business and family activities. As one of the largest and finest private social, business and sports clubs in southeast Michigan, The Fairlane Club is the venue of choice for many elegant wedding receptions and parties, business conferences and charity galas. For more information about The Fairlane Club facilities, services and membership opportunities, visit www.fairlaneclub.com or call 313-336-4400.