Since the DESCO Group purchased the Colonial Marketplace in 2011, the Ladue shopping center has become a retail hub, attracting boutiques from around the metro area. Town and Country Bridal Boutique (8809 Ladue Road, 314-991-5400) is one of its latest additions, and children’s retailer City Sprouts (6303 Delmar, 314-726-9611) has announced plans to open in the center in early spring.
Town and Country Bridal Boutique made the move in October, leaving its former home in Plaza Frontenac. Although the new location is slightly smaller, owner Stephanie Fagyal says the move gave her freedom to change the boutique’s hours and reach new customers.
“We loved being in Plaza Frontenac, and [that location] got us in front of a lot of different people,” Fagyal says.
“But I think that being outside of the mall will make it a little more accessible to people who may not have considered us before, who assumed we were too pricey for them,” she continues, noting that price points at Town and Country Bridal Boutique start at $2,000.
In addition, Fagyal was able to work with the architect to personalize the space. She configured it so that the fitting rooms are spread out throughout the shop, creating semi-private spaces for each appointment.
City Sprouts owner Molly Curlee also sees the benefit of opening in the Colonial Marketplace, which she hopes to do in March 2014. She says she was drawn to the location because of “the great mix of retailers” and to “make it easier for our customers to pull in and see us.”
Curlee plans to focus on higher-end clothing brands, books, toys, handcrafted furniture and unique essentials in the new store. Although the store will be slightly smaller than the original location on The Loop, Curlee says she won’t need as much space because the store will no longer be stocking strollers and car seats.
Haven’t visited the Colonial Marketplace yet? The shopping center is hosting its first annual Holiday Walk from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. The event will include refreshments, in-store specials and giveaways.
