Showtime temporarily closed, but it's not because of M-1 (yet)

[UPDATE 2:34 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17: We spoke with Tatarian today, who assures us that he is in fact back in the shop and open for business.] 

Midtown clothier Showtime is closed until further notice, according to chatter on the store's Facebook page on Friday. Earlier, we reported that owner Dan Tatarian was facing a drastic dip in sales, which he said was caused by construction of the M-1 Rail that has reduced Woodward Avenue to just two lanes in front of his business and eliminated his street parking. 

We called to see if Showtime was indeed closing for good, as Tatarian expressed concern that his business might not survive through the construction period, which could last to the end of 2016. Tatarian assured us that he's just taking some sick days off, and hopes to return to work on Monday — but did add that he does plan to close shop from January to March due to the construction.

Earlier, development nonprofit Midtown Detroit, Inc. president Sue Mosey told us that while there are no funds in place to help businesses like Tatarian's from weathering the construction, they have negotiated additional parking spots and will hold workshops to help coach businesses in area such as social media, and offer promotions for businesses like radio ads. In the meantime, supporters of Tartarian have started a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to collect money to try to move the store elsewhere.