EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – For the first time in many years, the city’s downtown now features a clothing merchandiser.
The River Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting Saturday for Suitable, a new store located in one of the city’s historic buildings at 134 E. Fifth St.
The family business, which offers formal wear, was the idea of owner Cody Brightwell whose sister, Chelsea DeCapio, is manager and currently its sole employee.
Brightwell, a former general manager for JC Penney, lives in Tampa, Fla., where he opened Suitable Collections in October 2024.
When he came to East Liverpool this past Christmas, Brightwell was being driven around the city’s downtown by their mother, Angela Miller.
“He saw all the updates made in the city and said, ‘Mom, I need to bring something to this downtown,’” Miller said.
He decided to open the store and is also working on opening a third store in Tampa, according to DeCapio.
Scott Shepherd, a chamber member and architect, said he believes the building formerly housed Erlanger’s Department Store, which research on the East Liverpool Historical Society website indicates is accurate.
The building’s owners, Jake Robinson and Troy Chisom, paid close attention to its 1880s design in preparing the interior, according to DeCapio. “We walked in and gave them the color ideas we wanted and told them we wanted to keep the [original] brick wall, and they came up with the design.”
Customers are greeted with an elaborate arched ceiling, crystal chandelier and a comfortable seating area, as well as racks of wedding gowns, suits and tuxedos, all of which are Suitable designs, according to DeCapio.
Saturday’s grand opening was preceded by a soft opening June 30. On Saturday, visitors were offered snacks and chances to win gifts as they perused the formal wear.
The business offers suits and tuxedos for both purchase and rental, while bridal gowns are available for purchase only. In addition to wedding gowns for brides, DeCapio said Suitable can accommodate other special dress needs of bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom, all of whom can look through catalogues and be fitted at the store.
She said appointments are preferred, but customers are welcome to stop in without one. “Come in and talk. We’ll go over everything,” she said.
DeCapio said a fitting is always scheduled a week before a wedding for any adjustments that might need to be made, and if something needs to be changed, overnight shipping is offered.
DeCapio said they are still working on what they will offer for homecoming and prom, and anyone interested can come in and discuss those needs.
She said the main hope for the store is to make obtaining formal clothing more convenient to local residents.
“We don’t want you to drive far. It’s more convenient to come see us,” she said.
Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information or to schedule a booking, call 656 262 2818.
Pictured at top: Preparing to cut the ribbon at Suitable in downtown East Liverpool is manager Chelsea DeCapio (holding the scissors), her family members, Mayor Bobby Smith (fourth from left) and members of the River Valley Chamber of Commerce.