Biz Beat: Clothing boutique opens store in Modesto

Christina Macha describes her shop as a "mini-Nordstroms." It's also becoming a mini-empire, with the fourth location of Christina's Fine Clothing and Shoes Boutique opening recently in McHenry Village in Modesto.

"This is the nicest store in town," Macha said. Christina's carries special-occasion tops and pants, as well as casual clothes, Brighton jewelry and about 80 styles of shoes. "There's something for everyone," she said.

Well, everyone of a certain age. Macha said her customers range in age from roughly 40 to 70.

"We don't have anything for the teenagers," said Macha, who opened her first store 11 years ago. She said she has wanted to move into Modesto for a while, and McHenry Village is the perfect spot.

Before opening, workers took the former art gallery "down to the studs," then replaced all the flooring and remodeled the interior and exterior.

The newest shop joins Christina's locations in Merced, Fresno and Danville. With four stores in four counties, Macha, who lives in Merced, finds herself on the road a lot.

Christina's is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (209) 523-0300 or go to www.christinasfineclothing.com.

Elsewhere around the Business Beat:

Turlock's Frost bakery is expanding — twice. Owner Shelly Koch recently announced on Frost's Facebook page that the Main Street bakery is opening a second location on Monte Vista Avenue in Turlock, and taking over the former Hanna's Bakery in Modesto.

Hanna's abruptly closed its doors last month, with the landlord of Crossroads Shopping Center posting a notice on the door saying the tenant was behind on rent payments.

Frost Bakery and Fine Foods is expected to open at 2014 W. Monte Vista Avenue in Turlock on Nov. 15, and in the former Hanna's, 901 N. Carpenter Road, on Nov. 19.

The Turlock expansion has been in the works for about a year, Koch said. Hanna's "sort of fell into our laps."

Koch said the "Fine Foods" addition to the bakery's name is part of a rebranding intended to reflect the expansion of the business, which includes a café, catering and coffee bar.

"It seemed like a great way to cover all the bases," she said.

Call the original Frost, 428 E. Main, Turlock, at (209) 634-2805 or go to www.frostbakeryandcafe.com.

Have an item for Business Beat? Contact Patty Guerra at The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; (209) 578-2343 or pguerra@modbee.com.