Colorado Springs Retail Briefs: October 26, 2007

Colorado Springs Business Journal, Oct 26, 2007 by Joan Johnson

Dress for Success, an affiliate of the Women's Resource Agency, has opened a boutique at The Citadel mall.

Located on the upper level next to J.C. Penney, the 3,173-square- foot space includes room for client fitting appointments and clothing racks, as well as meeting and training space.

Ev Church, a Dress for Success board member, said their former facility at the Women's Resource Agency headquarters at 2220 E. Bijou consisted of a small room filled with clothing.

"People are better aware of where we are, so we are getting a lot more donations," she said. "Last Saturday we had 34 people come in. ... Donations are taken the second Saturday of every month from 10 till noon."

The organization, which was established in Colorado Springs in 1998, has had 384 appointments during the last 12 months, including 51 second appointments for clients who successfully secured full- time employment.

Founded in New York City during 1997, Dress for Success is an international nonprofit organization. Its mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, and a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and life.

Other Citadel stores opening

The Citadel mall is gearing up for the holiday season.

D&L Handcrafts just opened for the season. See's Candies, Hickory Farms, St. Nicks and Outback Sheepskin have openings planned during early November.

Diane Loschen, the mall's marketing manager, said other new stores include The Poppy Seed and Harris Jewelry.

With locations in Manitou Springs and Pueblo, The Poppy Seed markets tie dye and hemp clothing, bags, hats and tapestries.

Harris Jewelry is new to the market, with a temporary location until its site is completed, Loschen said.

Fragrance Hut and Obsessions Day Spa have opening dates that are yet to be determined.

Changes at Briargate stores

A shopping trip to The Promenade Shops at Briargate might bring surprises as stores are moving around and new ones are jumping into the mix.

General Manager Jennifer Halloway said new retailers include Gloss Denim Bar, M&H Galleries, Ann Taylor Loft, Bath & Body Works and Girl of the Golden West.

Gloss Stores Inc. will fill the 3,000 square feet next to the new White House Black Market, which recently reopened with 3,500 square feet of space in the former Camille La Vie space.

Gloss is a locally owned store offering premium jeans, including True Religion, Joes Jeans, Frankie B, Red Engine, Rock Revival, Hudson, L.A. Denim and Peoples Liberation. Owners Lisa and David Borden said their flagship store has a tentative opening date of Nov. 15.

"For sure we will be open the day after Thanksgiving," Lisa said. "We are partnering with El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund. We will donate a dollar for everyone who comes in and tries on our jeans."

She said the prices will range from $60 to $350 for a pair of jeans.

"I've always loved clothing and shopping," Lisa said. "And in Colorado Springs it is hard to find a good collection of premium jeans."

Bath & Body Works is scheduled to open in March. Ann Taylor Loft will open during the first quarter of next year, filling 5,500 square feet of space next to Talbots.

Girl of the Golden West will move to a permanent space between Ann Taylor and Williams-Sonoma, with a tentative opening scheduled the first week of December.

The Antique Gallery signed a lease for 7,000 square feet and will change names to M&H Galleries, adding an art gallery to its antique collections.

Bombay filed for bankruptcy during September and it's only a matter of time before store closings reach The Promenade Shops at Briargate. Halloway said she has not been given information about when their Briargate store will be closing.

Bombay operates about 400 stores in the United States and Canada, selling home accessories, wall decor and furniture. It employs about 3,600 people.