MASSILLON – A new Mexican-themed boutique and grocery store has popped up downtown.
MEX-USA Latin store is a family-operated business that has been open on-and-off over the past few weeks at 167 Lincoln Way E, which is the former home of Howard’s Tiger Rags.
The main business sign was hung on the storefront in late August, allowing MEX-USA to have more visibility and schedule specific hours and days of operation.
Co-owner Denisse Paez said providing a steady income for her three children and having a store tailored toward local Latinos were main reasons for opening the shop. There are more than 10,500 Hispanic or Latino residents in Stark County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“The Spanish community is growing,” said Paez, who runs MEX-USA with her son, Felipe Garcia-Paez. “I think people will be glad we’re here, when they see we’re open and know more (about the store.)”
MEX-USA offers customers myriad goods, such as Hispanic or religious-themed books, home decor, clothing, personalized piñatas, Spanish language Bibles, toys and dolls, specialized foods, beverages and candy, as well as custom dresses, jewelry, crafts and party favors.
“If we don’t have something here, we will try to find it,” Paez said. “We’re working to get more items from Mexico and other Latin countries.”
MEX-USA owner: Store complements other Hispanic businesses in western Stark County
Paez said she would like MEX-USA to complement other Hispanic businesses along Lincoln Way, such as Margarita’s Mexican Grill & Cantina in Massillon and El Campesino restaurant in Perry Township.
The building occupied by MEX-USA is owned by Dan Swartz and Joe Logan.
Earlier this year, Liberty Screen Printing & Embroidery finalized the purchase of the Tiger Rags business from retiring owner Jim Rubin, merging the two custom clothing businesses in Liberty’s store at 2924 Lincoln Way W.
The move left the Tiger Rags building vacant for a few months before MEX-USA moved in.
Ted Herncane, Massillon’s development director, said MEX-USA is a welcome business addition to downtown and offers the region some positive balance.
“The store occupies a recently renovated space, and adds some diversity to our downtown,” Herncane said. “Both of these are good.”
MEX-USA is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The store is closed on Sundays.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
