New shoe store, men's underwear store, coming to South End

Looking for a new place for your men's underwear, swimsuits, and gym clothes? Check out Brief, opening this summer in South End. And in the same building, opening later this summer, Shu is planning to open with women's shoes, handbags and accessories for sale.

The stores are at South Tryon Street and Summit Avenue. An exact opening date hasn't been announced yet, but owner Dan Mauney is trying to get Brief up and running by July and Shu by August.

Brief has a Facebook page with some more pictures and options to follow it for news about the store (There are many pictures of men in their underwear, as you might expect, so open with caution depending on your workplace etiquette).

Here's a description of Brief from the email I got this weekend about the store:
"Redefining how men wear underwear, BRIEF opens in South End this Summer offering one of the strongest collections of men's underwear, swimwear and loungewear. No longer the accessory, BRIEF will offer the latest and best designers in the three categories."

Mauney said the stores have been in the works for about two years, and he's been eyeing the South End space for six months. He plans to turn the 8,200-square-foot former office furniture showroom  into the two stores and an event space: 4,000 square feet for Shu, 1,000 square feet for Brief, and about 3,000 square feet for events such as trunk shows.

"I'm working around the clock to get things ready," said Mauney. The stores will each have their own entrances and staff, but will share a hallway and bathroom facilities.

Although Shu will start with only women's shoes, Mauney said he hopes to expand the selection to include men's shoes by spring of 2014.

Mauney said he's excited to be opening his stores in South End, and hopes the neighborhood's vitality will be a boost to his business.

"Every time I looked at another space, it sold me more on the South End location," he said.


View Larger Map

Starbucks coming to uptown Levine Avenue of the Arts

It looks like there's a Starbucks headed to the Mint Museum building on the Levine Avenue of the Arts uptown, near South Church Street.

Building permits filed with Mecklenburg County show the project - listed as "Starbucks @ Duke Energy Center" - will cost $161,150. The company is paying to upfit 1,937 square feet of interior space at the location.

The store will be the sixth Starbucks location inside the uptown I-277 loop, and another boon for office workers who need an excuse to skip out of work on a nice afternoon for some fresh air.

So, fellow office denizens, what's your coffee place uptown? I like to drop by the uptown Amelie's branch with a cup - can't beat $1 refills for a late-afternoon caffeine boost.

(Hat tip to the Charlotte Business Journal for having this tidbit first)



View Larger Map

Zumiez, other new stores at Northlake Mall

Zumiez, a store peddling skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, surfing and motocross apparel and accessories, plans to open by August at Northlake Mall.

Pronounced "Zoomies," the store carries footwear brands such as DC, Vans, Volcom, Obey and Skullcandy. The store will also sell apparel, snowboards and skateboards.

Taco Bell, "the nation's leading Mexican-inspired quick service restaurant," is also opening this August in the Northlake food court. Prepare for Doritos Tacos Locos.

Also open now at Northlake:

• Locker Room by Lids, "the one-stop destination for headwear, apparel, accessories and novelties for your favorite professional and college teams," is open on the lower level between Dick's Sporting Goods and Dillard's on the lower level.
• White House|Black Market is open on the upper level, between the Grand Court and Dick's Sporting Goods.
• And women's apparel retailer Chico's is open on the upper level, between Macy's and Belk.

View Larger Map

Cast Iron Waffles opening Piedmont Row location

Cast Iron Waffles is opening a second Charlotte location, this one at the Piedmont Row center in SouthPark.

The restaurant currently has a Ballantyne location, off Ardrey Kell Road. The new location doesn't have a date set yet, but the restaurant is hoping for sometime in early June.

You can follow the new Cast Iron Waffles location on Facebook here for the latest news about opening dates and more, or on Twitter.

Cast Iron Waffles serves gourmet Liege waffles and fair-trade coffee and espresso. Check out this description of their waffles:

"The Liege Waffle dough recipe originated in the 18th Century by the cook of the Prince of Liege, seeking to win favor. The result was a delicious treat that has been enjoyed on the streets of Belgium and all over Europe for centuries.

Imported Belgian Pearl Sugar is infused into the buttery sweet, twice raised Brioche style dough and smashed into a 100 LB, cast iron waffle press to create a caramelized sugar outer shell and a soft inside that will elevate your love of waffles to new heights."

(Thanks to an alert reader for sending me this tip).

Planned Cast Iron Waffles location

View Larger Map

Current Cast Iron Waffles location

View Larger Map

Boot Barn grand opening at Concord Mills

Cowboy and cowgirl types have a new option at Concord Mills: Boot Barn is holding a grand opening at Concord Mills this Saturday.

It's the company's first location in North Carolina. The store was formerly an RCC Western Store, a chain that was acquired by Boot Barn last year. The combined company operates 117 stores in 21 states, and is the largest "western lifestyle retailer."

Boot Barn carries boots, jeans, shirts, belts, hats, jewelry and other accessories from brands including Ariat, Carhartt, Levi's and more.

The grand opening events at Concord Mills include: "A special family and friends preview, musical entertainment from WSOC 103.7, a ribbon cutting ceremony, great giveaways, incredible discounts and FFA and 4-H fundraising opportunities."

Ribbon cutting at noon, boots optional.





View Larger Map

Ralph Lauren closing SouthPark mall store

Ralph Lauren is closing its store in SouthPark mall, according to a letter the company sent to its loyal Charlotte clients this week.

The letter, forwarded to me by an alert reader, says the store's last day open at the mall will be May 17. There apparently aren't any plans to replace the SouthPark location with a local store soon: The letter directs clients to visit the closest Ralph Lauren location in Atlanta or shop online. The company is offering its loyal clients free shipping on online orders for a month.

"Thank you for being part of the world of Ralph Lauren and shopping with us at our Charlotte store. It has been our pleasure to assist you and your family," read the letter. It was signed by Robert Norton, a Ralph Lauren vice president.

No word yet on what will replace the store. Stay tuned, however. And as always, send me any tips at elyportillo@charlotteobserver.com.

View Larger Map

FABO moving to Quail Corners

The renovated Quail Corners Shopping Center has a new tenant opening this summer: FABO plans to close its Selwyn Avenue location and reopen at its new location this summer.

FABO's last day at its current location is Sunday, May 5th. Plans call for the new store at Sharon Road West and Park Road to open in June, though an exact date hasn't yet been set.

FABO (Fabulous Art Buying Opportunity) has coffee, pastries, beer, wine, and of course, art. The store opened in 2010. Here's the store's description: "FABO features locally roasted coffee, pastries and goodies all made locally, over 55 artists work from Pottery to Jewelry to Painting and much more! We also have an excellent selection of beer and wine."

View Larger Map