Leani’s, the iconic store at Santini Plaza on Fort Myers Beach, will officially reopen on Sunday, December 1. However, owner Carrie Smith has already begun welcoming customers ahead of schedule. Though not fully open, she has been allowing shoppers to browse and purchase merchandise, including swimwear and other fashions, as she puts the final touches on the store.
“We’re technically not open yet, but the cash register works,” Smith said, describing her excitement to reopen the doors of the beloved boutique.
After Hurricane Ian devastated the area more than two years ago, it’s been a challenging journey for Smith to get the store back in business. Smith, who had to remortgage her home to fund the recovery, was unsure whether she would be able to reopen at all. For a time, she worked at Victoria’s Place on Bonita Beach Road and even considered becoming a clothing sales representative if Santini Plaza didn’t reopen in time.
Fortunately, the plaza is returning to life, and Leani’s is part of that revival. Smith is among the first new businesses to open in the plaza since the storm, alongside The Islander and Surf Style. Other businesses are expected to follow, including South Beach Grille, Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Nesbit Realty, and New York Pizza & Pasta.
“It’s emotional for everyone on the island to get back to our happy place,” Smith said. “This store is not just a store. It is the happy place.” A sign in the shop reads, “My Happy Place,” reflecting the sentiment that resonates with customers returning to the area.
Smith, the third owner of Leani’s since it opened in 1977, worked tirelessly to restore the store. She salvaged some furniture, including racks that survived the storm, and used her flood insurance to recover merchandise up to six feet above the floor. However, she did not receive reimbursement for items damaged by wind, which forced her to take on additional debt to get the store up and running again.
In her effort to maintain the original vibe of Leani’s, Smith has kept the layout of the store similar to what it was before the hurricane. She also continues to carry popular brands such as Lulu B, Sunset Swimwear, Beach House Swimwear, Victoria Green, Missy, and IBKUL. Missy swimwear, particularly favored by customers over 40, remains one of the store’s most popular items.
In addition to swimwear and beachwear, Leani’s offers apparel, accessories, hats, sunglasses, pants, shorts, belts, and handbags.
Looking ahead, Smith is enthusiastic about the future. She plans to collaborate with her neighbor, Anita Cereceda of The Islander, for a spring fashion show. “It will be coming,” Smith said, expressing her excitement to bring even more energy to Fort Myers Beach in the months ahead.
Leani’s reopening is a symbol of resilience and hope for the community, and Smith is eager to welcome both returning and new customers to her store.
Related topics:
