The "For Lease" signs on Newbury Street seem to be coming down almost as fast as they went up.

Rodier, a clothing store on the corner of Newbury and Dartmouth streets which closed in April after its French parent company declared bankruptcy, will be replaced by French retailer Madura, which specializes in home accessories.

"We began receiving inquiries as soon as word got out that the site was available," stated Joseph Baglio of Baglio Rikeman Real Estate who represented the lessor. "The store has 88 feet of frontage on the most traveled part of Newbury Street."

Madura is planning stores in most major American cities according to Doug Marr of Keliher Real Estate who represents the retailer. Newbury Street will be the chain's first U.S. location.

Published: June 2003