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Posts Tagged ‘mens retail’

Drama at 50th & France

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Uptown boutique Drama is taking over BluePeg’s space at 50th & France. Drama owner Courtney Smallbeck, who has defied odds and a prior move from Gaviidae Common to Lagoon Avenue, says many of her regular customers live in Edina and South Minneapolis, and appreciate both the energy of 50th, and the free parking. Drama offers trend-right fashions for both the office and a night on the town, from local and national designers – mostly priced between $60 and $110.

The move will happen in early August, after BluePeg’s planned Aug. 4 closing. I happened to walk in to BluePeg yesterday, just as owner Adam Tischler was getting set to go public with the news. He seemed genuinely broken up about it. The store had a cool, masculine look and hip merchandise for the casual guy who cares…trouble is, not enough do – especially at $100-plus for jeans or a shirt. I know my husband would sooner go naked than pay for premium brands, and while I complain that his Gap jeans are too baggy, I haven’t upgraded him. His savings are mine to spend. Especially at 50th & France, with so many great women’s boutiques. Sorry, Adam.

BluePeg’s going out of business sale starts this weekend at 4946 France Ave.

Changes at Parc Boutique

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Men, you had your chance. Parc Boutique tried offering you something other than a chair to sit in while your girlfriends and spouses shopped. Owner Thao Nguyen wanted to help you look cool for the weekend in premium denim, Ben Sherman shirts and Alternative Apparel tees. But you didn’t buy enough – and interestingly, your gals were too busy shopping for themselves to worry about outfitting you, despite the convenience. Women will shop wherever there is stuff to buy. Men won’t bother – even if it’s right in front of them and they’re bored, waiting for you to decide if you look fat in those jeans. When they finally do muster up the energy to shop, guys tend to go somewhere that has everything they need, rather than a women’s boutique where they might find one shirt. So, like many women’s boutique owners who tried it before her, Nguyen is discontinuing men’s apparel. Everything remaining is now 50 percent off.

As one department closes, another opens: Getting men’s out of the way will give Parc Boutique space to add handbags and shoes. Like the apparel, expect smaller, contemporary lines, priced under $100. The goods will arrive in August!


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