A downtown Clayton furniture store has closed.

Shelton’s Furniture at 425 E. Main St. was an Ashley Furniture dealer until that company opened Ashley Furniture HomeStore on U.S. 70 Business. Bruce Naegelen, director of downtown development, said the owners tried several strategies but, in the end, decided to move their remaining inventory to their Raleigh store.

Meanwhile, Fancy That, an upscale gift shop, has moved from 227 E. Main St. to 120 E. Main St. It is normally open from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Saturdays. The store is open an hour later through the holidays. The telephone number is 550-2946.

New real estate office

Maria Mercado has opened Mercado Advance Realty in Clayton.

Mercado, also a broker, has been in real estate for 11 years. She works with clients in Wake, Harnett, Johnston and Franklin counties.

“It is my sincere goal to provide the finest real estate service possible,” she says on her Web site. “I am committed and dedicated to my profession. But most importantly, to treat all customers honestly, fairly, and to give every client the level of service which exceeds their expectations.”

Mercado is fluent in Spanish and English. “It is not only a big advantage for the buyer, but it is a big advantage for the seller,” she said. “It is a benefit for the seller because if I list a house, you know it is going to get advertising in both communities”

Mercado Advance Realty is at 912 E. Main St. Hours are 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. For more details, call 631-0034 or visit www.mercadoadvancerealty.com.

Café in Smithfield

Forte’s Café has opened at 1321 E. Market St. in Smithfield. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. and from 5 till 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A brunch is available from 1 till 6 p.m. Sundays, and the bar is open from 4 till 2 a.m. daily. For more information, call 209-0005.

Insurance in Benson

Jeff Longhany has opened the National Alliance for Affordable Benefits, or NAAB.

The franchise offers health and life insurance from 24 different companies. “We have so many companies in our hands, we can take the legwork out of it for people,” Longhany said. “We can shop around for the best prices.”

NAAB is at 117 S. Market St. Hours are by appointment only. For additional information, call 207-0352 or visit www.naab4u.com.