AIKEN, S.C. (WFXG) - Back in March , several Downtown Aiken businesses were damaged due to an electrical fire that started on Haynes Avenue.

Most of the businesses suffered from smoke damage and lost valuable items within their inventories. 

FOX54 spoke with Sallye Rich, owner of 3 Monkeys about their recovery process.

"But we didn't have any water damage or soot damage. So, not really any of our items were affected but the upstairs ones. The cleaning people came in with some kind of smoke treatment." Rich explained.

3 Monkeys lost a few seasonal items that they've kept upstairs.

If you visit Downtown Aiken, you may notice that most of the stores impacted by the fire are still closed. Stores like A Fox's Tale and True Aiken. A Fox's Tale is currently operating a pop-up shop within Aiken Boutique Mall. Whereas Sarah Dodge the owner of True Aiken is expecting her business to open up soon. 

"Store was pretty heavily smoked damaged and so we actually made the call to look for another space," Dodge said. 

Dodge and Rich both told FOX54 that the community has been supportive.

"Definitely through a lot of the other shop owners and social media," Dodge said.

True Aiken is expected to open up at its new location sometime in May. 

We haven't received an update from A Fox's Tale about their recovery process. 

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