Forget women’s fashion. Woodbury Lakes is finally targeting the eastern suburb’s more influential demographic: BABIES! A local baby boutique and a national baby retailer new to Minnesota will open at the lifestyle center in the coming weeks.

buybuyBaby, a competitor to Babies ‘r Us with perhaps a more stylish edge, is building a 28,000 store at Woodbury Lakes that will offer the full range of baby needs from car seats and strollers to cribs, toys and clothing. Check it out online. buybuyBaby was acquired by Bed, Bath & Beyond in 2007. The store will open this fall.

But first, butters & beans (pictured). the eco-friendly baby apparel brand designed by local mom Ann Evans, is opening its first boutique at Woodbury Lakes on July 21. Beyond its own line, the boutique will offer other local lines like Pop Frocks and national boutique brands including Tea Collection – plus accessories, bedding, toys, gifts and more. (Stop by 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 22 for the grand opening, including a performance by Tim Mahoney).

Of course, mom’s needs haven’t been entirely forgotten. Proven magnet Hot Mama is also opening next month at Woodbury Lakes.

There’s a reason for this sudden burst of focused momentum from the center that has struggled to draw tenants and shoppers: RED Development. The company that originally developed Woodbury Lakes – and the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove – is back at the helm and clearly making smart decisions about what will play well to east suburban residents. They already brought on Charming Charlie accessories super-store as well.