Florida’s first-ever Dockers Outlet Store heads a list of new additions to the ever-expanding Sawgrass Mills outlet center in Sunrise.
Located by Bloomingdales, the store features Dockers’ iconic men’s khaki pants, plus shorts, shoes, and tops for everyone at outlet prices.
It’s one of eight new stores at Sawgrass Mills, a 2.4 million-square-foot retail attraction that owner Simon Property Group bills as “the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States.”
Other Sawgrass Mills newcomers are:
Psycho Bunny Outlet Store — Best accessed from the Colonnade Outlets entrance, Psycho Bunny specializes in “premium quality” styles for men and boys, adorned with the company’s signature bunny head skull and crossbones logo.
G-Star RAW — Debuting its first outlet store in Florida, G-Star RAW sells “unwashed, untreated denim,’ inspired by “vintage military apparel from around the world,” Simon said.
Radley London — This is the first South Florida location for the London-based company that blends “creative design, quality materials and immaculate craftsmanship” in its line of handbags and accessories.
Citizens Watch Company Store — This is also the first South Florida outlet for the venerable Japanese watch maker, which released its first pocket watch in 1924.
Lucciano’s Il Maestro del Gelato — Found near Forever 21, this family-owned company offers artisan ice cream made with Italian raw materials and Belgian chocolate, made with Italian technology by the self-proclaimed “ice cream masters.”
Francesca’s — Offers limited quantities of “trendy, bohemian styles in women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories and gifts.”
Rebag — Located by the Rainforest Cafe, Rebag sells second-hand, “expertly vetted” designer handbags from makers like Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton.
New fried chicken franchise locations hatch across metro area
Fried chicken lovers in Broward and Palm Beach counties are enjoying more options, thanks to openings of popular franchises in Coral Springs, Miramar and Boca Raton.
The first standalone Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant in Coral Springs opened in late January at 10721 W. Atlantic Ave. in the shopping center anchored by a Walmart Neighborhood Market off Coral Springs Drive. It’s open until 1 a.m. nightly, in contrast to the only other Popeyes in the city, in Coral Square mall, which closes at 8 p.m.
Boca Raton welcomed a new Chick-fil-A at the intersection of Palmetto Park Road and Interstate 95 on Feb. 16. Residents who live near other Chick-fil-As are no doubt hoping the new one thins out the frequent traffic jams formed by loyal customers willing to wait in long lines for the chain’s popular fried chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and milkshakes.
And in Miramar, fast-expanding Huey Magoo’s officially celebrated the grand opening of its latest location at 11225 Miramar Parkway, near State Road 823 and just north of the Florida Turnpike Extension.
The chain, now with over 225 franchises in 12 states, bills itself as the “Filet Mignon of Chicken,” with grilled, hand-breaded or “sauced” chicken tenders made with no antibiotics, hormones, steroids or preservatives. Sandwiches, wraps and salads also are available.
Founded in 2004, the chain also operates in Coral Springs, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Sunrise and 25 other Florida cities. Further locations are planned later this year for Cooper City and Plantation.
Tastings, cooking demos slated at Broward Meat & Fish grand opening
Broward Meat & Fish plans to celebrate the grand opening of its new Margate location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 4.
The company opened its fourth Broward County supermarket back in November in a completely rebuilt building formerly occupied by Penn Dutch Meat & Seafood Market at the intersection of State Road 441 and West Sample Road.
The grand opening will feature free samplings of products sold at the store, plus wine tastings, prizes, giveaways, live music, a remote broadcast by WEDR-99 Jamz, and cooking demonstrations by Chef Irie, a private chef and caterer who specializes in Caribbean cuisine.
A ribbon cutting with local VIPs will take place at 11 a.m., a spokeswoman said.
Lauderdale Lakes seeking businesses for mentorship program
If you are a small-business owner in Lauderdale Lakes with ambitions to grow into the next Chef Irie or Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, you might want to check out a free new 12-week mentoring program offered by the city.
The program, which begins Feb. 28, is called LL BEAMS and it stands for Lauderdale Lakes Business Elevation and Marketing Support. It will teach business owners critical marketing skills, including peer networking and how to develop marketing plans and pitches, press releases, social media content, and digital advertising.
To qualify, enrollees must have a business in Lauderdale Lakes that’s at least two years old and be willing to dedicate at least five hours a week to the training program. Spaces are limited.
To apply, download this application at the city’s website, www.lauderdalelakes.org/formcenter. More information is available at www.lauderdalelakes.org/571/Lauderdale-Lakes-Beams or by calling 954-535-2492.
Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Send him your retail news rhurtibise@sun-sentinel.com. Be sure to include Retail Roundup in the subject line of your email.
