Blacklion opening in Dilworth

Another multi-merchant interior marketplace is headed to East Boulevard, as the owners of Charlotte stalwart Blacklion said they plan to open their third shop this September in Dilworth.

Blacklion, which has stores on Park Road near Highway 51 and in Huntersville, said the new shop will open sometime in September. The retailer signed the lease in May for the former Talley's Green Grocery space at the corner of Scott and East Boulevard.

Co-owner Bob Emory said the new store will give customers who travel to south Charlotte to visit Blacklion a more convenient option, near Myers Park, Eastover and other upscale neighborhoods.

"We have experienced a substantial increase in sales at both our existing locations," said Emory in an email. "Many of the consumers from the areas the new store will service visit our south Charlotte store once or twice a year."

Blacklion is the second interior marketplace to announce it's opening on East Boulevard in the last two weeks. The other new store, Alexander Scott, will open blocks away in August or early September at the former McColl Fine Art building, at the corner of East and South Boulevards.

Talley's Green Grocery closed in 2008. Emory said the landlord and Blacklion are spending a combined $400,000 to expand and upgrade the space.

Both Alexander Scott and Blacklion will feature furniture and other interior design pieces from a wide selection of merchants, who will lease and stock stalls in the stores. Blacklion plans to have about 100 merchants in the 14,200-square-foot Dilworth location.

The stores will add to a stretch of East Boulevard known for trendy boutiques, unique gift shops (think Cottage Chic and Paper Skyscraper).

Blacklion has come through the downturn stronger and ready to expand, according to the owners. Said Emory: "Even though we have felt the recession like most other retailers, we have weathered the storm."