A Barney, a Kate, more Cheesecake and Faux-Yogurt Multiplies*
Another quarter, another blast of tenant news for The Grove East, otherwise known as The Americana at Brand. You already know about Barnes & Noble relocating to the Rick Caruso mixed-use extravaganza next to the Glendale Galleria. The new list includes some heavy hitters, opportunities for shoppers to work up that national debt. The release from Caruso Affiliated says the mall is now 80 percent leased.
Shoe mavens have Kate Spade, which is opening its first Los Angeles-area location; Barneys New York CO-OP features designer casuals. There's also fancy cookware dealer Sur La Table. (I'm looking at YOU, Galleria tenant Williams Sonoma...)
For the hoi poloi, there's The Cheesecake Factory, and a pinkberry outlet. (Taking the faux-gurt back from knock-off purveyor Roseberry or Rosegreen or whatever their name is up the street...)
*For more Caruso goodness, check out this past weekend's edition of KPCC's Off-Ramp, which spent some time with LA's uber-developer -- there's a chat with Ed Leibowitz, who profiled the man for Los Angeles Magazine; and take a walk with Caruso through The Grove, where he shares a few hidden secrets...
Other Americana tenants:
- Brunello Ristorante Italiano - white tablecloth, authentic Italian cuisine featuring delicious pastas, seafood and regional specialties
- Calidora Spa - professional spa and skin care clinic specializing in anti-aging and personal care services in a relaxing and luxurious environment; a Los Angeles flagship
- Concept Five - a brand new concept from collegiate-style icon Abercrombie & Fitch; a Southern California exclusive
- crewcuts - the clean and classic style of J. Crew, now sized for the all-American kid; known for colorful prints and crisp designs
- Divine Boutique - edgy yet sophisticated designer fashions and accessories for the trendsetting woman
- Free People - whimsical women’s apparel and footwear with a unique flair and signature style both feminine and fun
- J. Crew - classic and comfortable men’s and women’s clothing and accessories for the office, the beach and everything in between
- Michael Stars - relaxed and contemporary women’s fashions for everyday wear in a wide array of colors and styles
Then there's True Religion Jeans, that triumph of marketing, where images of eastern spirituality are used to sell jeans and make a buck. It's all good -- maybe it's because Buddhists such as myself tend to take the long view -- nothing is permanent, especially marketing.
Some flakage:
“This expanded and eclectic retail lineup reflects our company’s merchandising philosophy of consistently providing customers with the most distinctive shops, boutiques and restaurants that represent the latest fashion and lifestyle tastes and trends,” said Todd M. Russell, senior vice president of leasing and marketing for Caruso Affiliated. “The Americana at Brand will distinguish itself in the competitive LA market by bringing in new retailers to the area and offering a level of style and sophistication that is unmatched in the region.”The Americana at Brand, which broke ground in June 2006, is a $369 million urban in-fill mixed-use development set on 15.5 acres in the heart of Glendale, within minutes of Los Feliz, Silverlake, Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles. Bounded by Brand Blvd., Central Avenue and Colorado Street, the 900,000 square-foot development features 475,000 square feet of retail comprised of 75 shops and boutiques, an 18-plex cinema and a variety of casual and fine dining options, and will offer 238 apartments and 100 condominiums - luxury residences created with classic Caruso flair, quality and attention to detail.