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Monday, August 27, 2007

Shopping in Billing's Montana


Rimrock Mall, located in Billings, Montana, is Montana's largest shopping destination with over 100 specialty shops and five anchor stores: Dillard's Women's & Children's, Dillards Men's & Home, JCPenney, Herberger's and Scheel's All Sports. Rimrock Mall boasts the state's largest collection of national and local retailers including: Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath and Body Works, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Victoria's Secret, and many more!

Rimrock Mall recently opened many new stores including Talbots, Coldwater Creek, Chico's, Starbucks, Motherhood Maternity, and Aeropostale. The mall also includes a 10-screen state-of-the-art movie theater (Wynnsong 10). The mall celebrates its 30th Anniversary in the Billings community with new stores, store remodels and much more.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Shopping in Long Island, New York




Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall
Old Country Road and Meadowbrook Parkway
Garden City, NY 11530
516-742-8000
Roosevelt Field Shopping Center
Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall is a Simon property located at the intersection of Old Country Road and Meadowbrook Parkway in Garden City, NY. Featured stores include Banana Republic, Gap, Macy's, Modells, Foot Locker, JC Penney, Brookstone, Victoria's Secrets, Williams-Sonoma and Zales to name a few. There is also plenty to eat in the food court and a multiplex movie theater on hand just in case you need to take a break from shopping.
Broadway Mall
358 B. Broadway Mall
Hicksville, New York 11801
516-939-0679
Broadway Mall

Westfield Sunrise Shopping Mall
One Sunrise Mall
Massapequa NY 11758
516-795-3550


The Mall at the Source
1504 Old Country Road
Westbury, NY 11590
516-228-0303
The Mall at the Source

Green Acres Mall
2034 Green Acres Mall
Valley Stream, NY 11581
516-561-7360
Green Acres Shopping Mall
Green Acres Shopping Mall offers the traditional mall as well as a complex of surrounding mega stores including several brand names like Old Navy, Sears, BJ's Wholesale Club, The Avenue and WalMart. You also won't be able to resist the smell of Cinnabon's so you may have to start your diet tomorrow!

Americana Manhasset
2060 Northern Boulevard
Manhasset , NY 11030
516-627-2277
Americana Manhasset
An exclusive collections of top designer store lined up in a row on Northern Blvd in Manhasset is fondly referred to by shopaholics as Miracle Mile. The stretch of top names includes Louis Vuitton, Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and more. Bring your Bijon and your wallet!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Liz Claiborne Hits Best Buy With Laptop Bags


Though the corporate entity Liz Claiborne recently lost its namesake to a long battle with cancer, the company continues on. One of their first moves includes a partnership with Best Buy to sell a line of electronics accessories. The products include cases for cell phones, iPods, and laptops, like the $79 black case pictured here with a faux-croc exterior. Other choices include a red leatherette Nano case, a leopard-print cell phone carrier (perfect to prevent blinding others with your crystal-encrusted mobile while not in use), and a red leather briefcase that seems to be the only product made out of honest-to-gosh animal hide.

These Claiborne products are already available on the Best Buy Web site and in some stores. A full rollout to 250 locations is planned for October.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Shopping in Toronto, Canada


Eaton Centre

Stretching two full city blocks, The Toronto Eaton Centre is a historical landmark, and today one of Canada’s best-known retail shopping destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. The multi-storey glass-ceiling structure originated from one man’s dream to revolutionize the Canadian retail industry.


Timothy Eaton was born and raised in Northern Ireland, but immigrated to Canada in 1854. He later ended up in Toronto, where he opened his first store in 1869. His four-storey flagship department store, at the corner of Queen and Yonge Streets, would be built in 1883.

In the 1960s, Eaton’s partnered with Fairview and TD Bank, to create what would become known as the Eaton Centre. Eaton’s department store moved to the corner of Yonge and Dundas, right next to their competitor, Simpsons, which was located at the corner of Yonge and Queen. Today, these stores have both been replaced by Sears (Eaton’s) and The Bay (Simpsons). Although the completed centre did not turn out to be a perfect rectangle, as planned, it has undoubtedly become a unique and interesting downtown landscape. Zigzagging around historical sites, such as Old City Hall, and Holy Trinity Church, the Eaton Centre has indeed woven itself into the urban fabric.

The Toronto Eaton Centre opened in two stages. On February 10, 1977 the northern section was built and on August 8, 1979, the southern section was completed. Two more phases would be added and opened in June 1990 and Summer/Fall 1999.

Modeled after Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the centre’s architect, Eb Zeilder, created the retail portion of the complex to feature a four-level shopping centre with a glass-domed ceiling running the length of the centre. Hanging from the ceiling, one finds a mobile of a flock of Canadian geese, Flight Stop, designed by artist Michael Snow.

Connected to the apexes of the centre are three office towers, which loom at an estimated 300 feet each, and accommodate over 60 organizations each. The Toronto Eaton Centre is also home to more than 285 retailers. Although the Eaton’s chain filed for bankruptcy in 1999 and all assets were acquired by Sears Canada Inc, the centre has retained its name. It enjoys the reputation as one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions, with about 25% of the Eaton Centre’s visitors being tourists.



In recent years, urban developers have redesigned the mall's Yonge Street façade (1999) and heavy redevelopment, commonly referred to as the “Dundas Expansion,” occurred throughout 2004, attracting new anchors, such as H&M’s Toronto flagship store.

As in the case of decades forth, many fond memories will continue to be associated with the name Eaton. Today, the Toronto Eaton Centre remains the focal point of downtown Toronto. It is a city landmark unlike any other, where people from all walks of life can gather under one roof with no prejudices. Rudolph Adlaf, Cadillac Fairview’s Senior Vice President for Architecture and Design, once said “The Eaton Centre is classic in its simplicity.” And a classic it will remain.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Rome, Italy


Shopping in Rome

This short compendium of Roman shopping is for all shopping lovers. A compendium for all tastes, from high fashion chic to the cheap items on the market stalls, and with a mention of the new frontier of shopping, halfway between chic and cheap: outlets. Remember that if you want to go shopping in Rome, you will need a bit of time time, so book a few nights extra in the hotel in Rome that you are staying in.

Roman labels: from Sorelle Fontana to Gai Mattiolo
Many famous names in Made in Italy fashion from Rome and elsewhere started their careers in this city, often opening an atelier that soon began to attract the curiosity of aristocrats, politicians and film stars who then made them famous.

Sorelle Fontana – a historical label that dressed the Roman upper middle classes in the post-war period until the Dolce Vita era and then went on to the United States and Hollywood, designing and making film costumes for international stars.
Capucci - Capucci opened his first atelier in Paris and then finally opened one in Rome in Via Gregoriana. One of the few “independent” designers: Capucci detached himself from the traditional fashion circuits and personally organized the presentations of his collections almost as if they were art exhibitions. In 1995 he exhibited his designs at the Biennale in Venice.

Fernanda Gattinoni – She opened her Rome atelier in 1945 near Via Veneto. Her clothes were worn by famous people such as Anna Magnani, Evita Peron, Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn.

Lancetti – Roman by adoption, he opened his first atelier in Via Margutta, the famous street of artists. This was almost an omen of his fame as a designer-painter that he later obtained.

Valentino - Valentino opened his first atelier in Rome in Via Condotti, and hit success after a fashion show at Pitti Immagine in Florence. He is one of the cinema world’s famous designers: stars such as Liz Taylor, Joan Collins, Julia Roberts and Claudia Cardinale wear his creations at gala evenings such as the Night of the Oscars.

Laura Biagiotti – Renamed the “Queen of Cashmere", Laura Biagiotti is famous for her fine cashmere knitwear and for her frequent use of the color white in her creations.

Fendi - This maison was set up in 1925 in Rome as a fur coat and leather goods shop. Later, the five Fendi sisters created the label that is famous worldwide.

Brioni – Male tailored elegance. Famous worldwide for the high quality of their clothes and for being 007’s tailor, embodied by the actor Pierce Brosnan.
Battistoni – A historical, male tailors’ atelier in Rome, which was a favorite of the Duke of Windsor.
Gai Mattiolo – Born in 1968 in Roma, he began his career as a fashion designer very early and is now one of the most popular “young” names in fashion.


Famous names outside the city: the outlets
Let’s ignore the single-label outlets that spring up here and there in the province and let’s concentrate on the new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Castel Romano: a kind of consumer orgy concentrated in 20,000 square meters. This huge shopping city, 25 km south of Rome, was opened on October 9th 2003.
We will bet that after a day spent here, even the most hardened consumer will feel the need to have a rest from shopping for at least a month!
The Castel Romano outlet center has 95 shops including the famous labels (Etro, D&G, F.lli Rossetti, Moreschi, Mariella Burani, Calvin Klein, La Perla), younger brands (North Sails, Mandarina Duck, Liu-jo, Guess, Diesel, Levi's, Stefanel, Tommy Hilfiger) and manufacturers of various accessories (Lagostina, Bassetti, Samsonite).
Go there, choose, buy and take it for granted that you will have a strange feeling in your stomach for a few days. Don’t worry: whenever you go to places like this, post-consumer guilt is normal!

Markets and flea markets: visiting the stalls looking for a bargain
For the more alternative consumers who snob the artificial lights of shopping malls and those who are attracted by the idea of owning something that is out of the ordinary, we recommend a visit to the Roman flea markets. Get rid of the concept “in a hurry” from your minds for a while and take all the time you want: rummaging among the stalls requires considerable concentration. Your efforts will most definitely be worth it though: from the bottom of the stall, the bargain of a lifetime or a valuable item could crop up, or even just the issue of Tex Willer that you were really fond of but that you lost during your last house move.
Porta Portese that veiled air of illegality that it inherited from its origins still persists: during the Second World War, this was the city’s black market. Today you can find old furniture, clothes, records, books, plants, CDs and a lot more too (Via Portuense and Via Ippolito Nievo, every Sunday).
The Mercato delle Stampe will literally drive fans crazy; magazines, prints and old books (Largo della Fontanella di Borghese, every morning except Sunday).
Finally, if you are looking for vintage clothes or just second-hand clothes, you have to go to the market at Via Sannio (Via Sannio, every morning from Monday to Saturday).

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Palm Springs, California


Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Canyon Drive is the cultural artery that pulses through the historic heart of Palm Springs (the 111 Highway turns into Palm Canyon Drive when it swings through Palm Springs in a North-South direction).

Beautifully lined with majestic palm trees continuously lit in a wrapping of sparkling lights, Palm Canyon Drive (and Indian Canyon Drive beside it) features a veritable goldmine of art galleries, restaurants, historical landmarks, pubs

El Paseo

World famous as the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, Palm Desert's El Paseo Shopping District is a beautifully maintained picture-postcard floral and statue-filled mile.

El Paseo is truly a shopper's paradise where you'll find over 300 discoveries including enchanting shops and boutiques featuring the latest designer fashions, jewelry, award winning restaurants, interior designers, home furnishings, antiques, beauty salons, spas, art galleries

Monday, August 6, 2007

Boca Raton, Florida


For the ultimate shopping experience, Boca Raton has everything you need…and more. No matter what you are looking for, you can easily find it at any of Boca Raton's premier shopping locations.

Mizner Park - Downtown Boca Raton

Better known as "Downtown Boca," the area around Federal Highway and East Palmetto Park Road is a prime shopping area. The newly landscaped and redeveloped area features a wide array of goods and services including skin care, hair care, travel agencies, gift boutiques, art galleries, fine clothing, jewelry and novelty shops. Throughout the year, there are street parties that showcase local talent, merchandise and exciting activities for the entire family.

Whether you feel like a drink at Gigi's or browsing through Banana Republic, the beautiful Mizner Park has something for everyone. Mizner Park is a one-of-a-kind mixed-use developments, centered around a Spanish-styled courtyard reminiscent of architect Addison Mizner's Mediterranean legacy featuring over 40 shops, plaza and Class A office space and apartments and town homes. Opened in 1991, the park features a unique mix of specialty boutiques, restaurants, national retailers, an eight-screen cinema, an amphitheater, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, as well as year-round, park-sponsored community events. Visit www.miznerpark.org for the latest information.

Royal Palm Place
Just down the street from Mizner Park, wander through Royal Palm Place, the oldest shopping center in Boca. The plaza has 80 shops in a Spanish-style, shopping complex. The quiet courtyards and sculpted fountains are a charming backdrop to several restaurants and luxurious shopping. Visit www.royalpalmplace.com for the latest information.

Town Center @ Boca Raton, Simon Property Group

Town Center (www.simon.com), located West of I-95 on Glades Road, is one of Palm Beach County's most impressive malls, as well as an international shopping destination. Town Center is anchored by Bloomingdales, macy*s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, and Nordstrom's. In addition, there are over 220 exclusive specialty stores such as Cartier, Tiffany's, Williams Sonoma, The Gap, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Pottery Barn, and Godiva Chocolatier.GNC, The Gap, and Cartier.

The mall's magnitude ensures an endless variety of retail options and, when you need energy to keep the shopping spree going, the Food Court offers an array of options to satisfy you. Exotic foliage, hand-glazed tiles and skylights make Town Center a first-class shopping wonderland. Valet parking completes the experience and, to top it off, you can even get a car wash while you shop.

Town Center is open from 10:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon - 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Other Shopping Areas

There are many other great shopping areas throughout Boca Raton like Boca Center, Glades Plaza, the Fifth-Avenue Shops, Oaks Plaza, Shops at the Sanctuary, Polo Shops, Del Mar Shopping Village, Garden Shops of Boca, Palms Plaza, Point West Centre, Village Pointe, Mission Bay Plaza, Shadowood Square, Boca Lyons Plaza, Somerset Shops, Regency Court, Shops of Boca, Piccadilly Square, VPC Center, Lakeside Centre and West Boca Square.

Nearby Shopping


Boca Raton is just a short drive from charming downtown Delray Beach and Palm Beach's famous Worth Avenue, where top-notch fashion, gourmet restaurants and fine art galleries line the historic street and its charming bougainvillea-shaded vias. South of Boca, there are art galleries and quaint shops on Las Olas Boulevard and the lavish Fashion Mall in Plantation. In Miami there is the Fashion District and Decorators Row as well as the Bal Harbour shops in Miami Beach.

If you are a bargain shopper, head directly toward the Festival Flea Market (www.festivalfleamarket.com) (Sample Road in Pompano) and Sawgrass Mills (Sunrise Boulevard, east of Flamingo Road off the Sawgrass Expressway ). You may also want to experience the outdoor flea markets at the Delray Swap Shop (U.S. 1, north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach) and the Swap Shop (Sunrise Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale).

Happy Shopping!

Friday, August 3, 2007

Shopping in Maui Hawaii





Welcome to the Lahaina Cannery Mall, Maui's only fully enclosed, air-conditioned shopping destination. Built in 1987, the mall boasts a variety of boutique retail stores combined with casual restaurants and an exceptional international food court. Hula dancing, Hawaiian artists, cultural events and festivals are enjoyed year round by visitors and residents. A 24-hour Safeway and Longs Drug Store compliment and add to the services and retail offered.

Discover FREE Hula
Shows at 7:00pm every Tuesday & Thursday!

FREE Keiki Hula Shows at 1:00pm
every Saturday and Sunday!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Shopping In Reno Nevada


This great shopping place is light, airy and conveniently located near major casinos and the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. The mall is anchored by Macys and JC Penney, with more than 100 shops and a large selection of eateries. Plenty of parking is available, and the local bus system has a station on the south side of the mall. Whether you want to find a cool haven from the summer heat or need a special gift, this is Reno's best shopping. Hours and credit card acceptance vary per store.