New Stella McCartney boutique ( here under construction )
There has been quite a lot happening these last few months at the Bal Harbour Shops. The premier luxury destination of South Florida has seen some of its oldest tenants leave, giving their retail space to new fashion or jewelry designers. It all started last spring, when famous leather accessory designer Louis Vuitton closed its large store, soon followed by the Christian Dior boutique. Both companies belong to the Louis Vuitton- Moet Hennessy luxury group ( LVMH ) and probably did not come to an agreement with the owners of the Bal Harbour Shops before having the option of ending or renewing their lease. Louis Vuitton moved to the Aventura Mall and both tenants opened a shop at Saks Fifth Avenue, located at the Bal Harbour Shops. Since then, Cartier has closed its flagship store and Hermes will leave after the end of its lease, in December 2012. Believe it or not, all these major luxury players will be moving to the Design District. Craig Robins, the developer who owns most of the Design District, is trying to turn the area into one of South Florida’s major luxury destinations. These new boutiques are planned to open between 2013 and 2014 and would join names already established in the area such as Italian fashion designer Marni and French shoe designer Christian Louboutin. These moves will inevitably change the shopping habits of our high-end local and international clientele.
La Perla new store
However, although some major names of the luxury industry are leaving the Bal Harbour Shops, the famous South Florida mall, who is famous for achieving the highest sale dollar amount per square foot for decades, does not seem ready to lose its leadership. New tenants from the PPR group, one of LVMH‘ s largest competitors, have already opened a new boutique at the Bal Harbour Shops and others will be joining the club soon. Balenciaga opened last Fall, British designers are increasing their presence, such as Stella McCartney who opens on the first floor this week-end and Alexander McQueen who should follow in the near future. Other luxury players such as Italian fine lingerie designer La Perla has also opened a new store and current tenants are relocating in order to get a larger retail space ( Jimmy Choo, Graf Jewelry from London, Yves Saint Laurent, Opera Gallery ).
These changes are taking place at a strategic time for the Bal Harbour area : the five-star St-Regis Bal Harbour hotel, located across the street from the shopping center, is finally opening its doors on the third week of January. Jean-Georges, one of the world’s most famous chefs, will be opening Jean-Georges’ Grill, which promises to be one of the hottest dining spots in town.
South Florida’s high season is back, bringing its hundreds of snowbirds and younger birds visiting from all over the world to enjoy our sun, beaches, restaurants, cultural scene and gorgeous water view properties.
