Pitaya originated in Bloomington, Ind., in 1990 and has 16 other locations across the country.

Michael Mazor, Pitaya’s owner, said he decided to open this new Pitaya location, situated at 213 E. Grand River Ave., because the chain’s other Michigan stores were successful, and because he thought the store would fill a niche for cute, affordable clothes in the area.

He said the store carries many contemporary brands and updates its inventory at least weekly. All Pitaya-brand items are made in the United States.

“We have an incredible selection for such a small store,” Mazor said. “I think it’s a winning concept.”

Heather Pope, East Lansing’s community development specialist, said the city was notified of Pitaya’s opening last fall and said she thinks Pitaya will be a positive addition to the downtown market because it adds to the number of shopping destinations in East Lansing.

“We have seen a trend of niche clothing stores opening in downtown East Lansing,” Pope said. “Pitaya will be another great option for people to shop at.”

Some students who already have visited the store said they likely will return in the future.

Music performance junior Rachel Miller said she enjoyed the atmosphere and classiness of the clothes offered at the store, as well as the employees who worked there.

“(The employees) are very local and personable,” Miller said. “I think we need more stores like that.”

Some local businesspeople who cater to a similar student demographic said they think the proximity of Pitaya to other clothing retail stores will be good for all the downtown businesses.

Erika Hundt, a sales representative at The Refinery, 115 Albert Ave., said the clothes Pitaya carries would be complementary to the designer jeans The Refinery has to offer.

She said having many clothing stores in relatively close proximity to each other would be beneficial to students looking to shop in the area.

“The more stores within walking distance, the more options I think students have that don’t have a car and can’t necessarily get over to a mall,” Hunt said.

However, some students said they wish there were more clothing options available for the male population.

“It does seem that there are more limited options for males, especially compared to females (in downtown East Lansing),” said Doug Ferguson, a packaging senior.

Ferguson said he shops at Urban Outfitters, 119 E. Grand River Ave., every once in a while, but said that’s really the only store in the downtown with male clothes that fit his style.

“It’s like you have to make a separate trip when there’s only one store that you can shop at — you wonder if it’s really worth it,” he said.

Mazor said the grand opening in East Lansing was one of the smoothest openings he has had, and doesn’t foresee any problems with Pitaya’s success in the area.

“East Lansing is perfect for what we do, and so far, we couldn’t have asked for a better reaction,” Mazor said.