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New J. Crew Concept Has "Made" Its Way to Atlanta

Madewell, a new concept from J. Crew will be opening soon at Lenox Square. Located next to the new Pottery Barn on the main level, the store looks far smaller than the J. Crew store also already at the mall. The store will carry women's casual and affordable apparel, priced at 20-30% less than J. Crew merchandise. With 7 stores open to this date, this is the 2nd additional store in development. Expect an opening in late Summer.

No Chanel or Prada At Lenox...For Now

It seems as though Chanel and Prada are both in a holding pattern for space at Lenox. It has now been confirmed that in fact Stuart Weitzman will be moving into the former Nicole Miller in the luxury wing of Lenox. Simply moving across the hall, though into a larger space, their movie will enable Burberry to expand their store. Both moves and expansions are expected to be completed by the start of the holiday shopping season. For now, Chanel will have its outpost in Neimans while Prada may be seeking to nab the current Hermes space in 2009, when they move to "The Streets of Buckhead".

Martin + Osa Opening At Perimeter Mall?

It has been reported that new a American Eagle concept will open its first Atlanta store at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody this Spring. The store's name and inspiration comes from Martin and Osa Johnson, a globetrotting husband and wife team from Kansas who explored Africa and the South Pacific Islands, chronicling their travels in photographs and diaries. The stores are designed by Michael Neumann Architecture in NYC and are far from your normal 'run of the mill" storefront. Expected to appeal to the 25-40 y/o demo, expect this store to compete with both J. Crew Banana Republic. Though no sign is up yet, I'd expect them to occupy the now defunct Forth & Towne on the second level across from A&F. There is a significant chance that if the Perimeter Mall store is a success, store will follow at Lenox Sqaure and North Point Mall and possibly The Avenues : East Cobb.

Tom Cartherall Eyes Closing Emerils For New Concept

Tom Catherall's Here To Serve Restaurants group is close to signing a lease on the space currently occupied by Emeril's. Set to close later this month, Emeril's prime location just off 400 and across the street from Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, is just what Catherall has been in search of. Seeking a Buckhead home for his new Asian concept "aja", for quite some time, this seems to be a perfect match. If all goes according to plan, aja could be open by late winter.

BAM! Emeril's Announces Closure

Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse has announced his namesake Buckhead restaurant will close its doors for good at the end of the month. After its opening in 2003, it was widely panned by critics and has gone through numerous overhauls in staff. With all the completion from established Atlanta restaurants, it was just never able to compete and appease local tastes.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Closes Multiple Locations

Due to unknown circumstances regarding the finances of the franchisee of several Tropical Smoothie Cafe's in Atlanta, a number have closed in recent weeks. One located on Decatur on West Ponce and another Peachtree in midtown have both closed yet still have the logo displayed. Another location further down Peachtree across from Piedmont Hospital remains open.