TAMPA - The Centro Ybor entertainment complex in Ybor City has four new retail tenants, three that opened in late 2009 and one expected to open within weeks.

Wear Me Out, formerly Mermaid's Slippers, is moving from 19th Street to Centro Ybor on Eighth Avenue. The boutique features clothing, purses and jewelry from owner and artist Sharon Rose.

Tribeca ColorSalon, Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Co. and Hamburger Mary's Bar and Grille opened within the past six months. They replace previous tenants, including Victoria's Secret and Starbucks Coffee.

About 50 people gathered outside the salon Tuesday for an official kickoff ceremony and tour of the shops.

The 20,000 square feet of leased retail space is about a 10 percent increase in occupancy, an unusual occurrence in a down economy, said David Harvey, senior vice president of Chicago-based M&J Wilkow, which owns Centro Ybor.

"There is nowhere else in 2009 where I've had a surge in occupancy," Harvey said. "This is a testament to how great Ybor City is. Hopefully this also is an indication of an overall improvement in the economy."

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.