Austin Mirmina / Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.

Karen Hodina stood in a small room near the entrance of Time Machine Hobby and watched with amusement as her 7-year-old granddaughter bounced around, investigating the toys on jam-packed shelves.

Alex Achoundong’s boutique, Majoli, sits adjacent to a Macy’s in the Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester, waiting to lure shoppers who saunter from the department store, attracted by Majoli’s ornate display of women’s clothing.