OPENINGS AROUND THE SOUND
A look at the area's new stores
Posted April 2007
TJ Maxx, one of the country's largest fashion retailers with its 800-plus stores, is beefing up its local presence with two new area stores. The two stores add to the chain's five spots already in King and Snohomish counties.
The first new location arrives at Bellevue's Factoria Mall on April 22. The storefront is located next to DSW Shoes which opened in November. The next opening will complete the Everett Mall Village, an outdoor retail experience alongside the main indoor shopping area.
TJ Maxx's retail concept eschews private label clothes for brand name fashions for men, women and children, matching the quality and besting the price of department stores. This is accomplished by leveraging its status as the largest off-price chain to purchase in quantity at significant discounts. Their buyer network encompasses 15,000 vendors from around the world, offering significant variety to shoppers.
Daiso maintains 90,000 SKUs that include ceramic dishes, plastic sunglasses, hair products, outrageously designed umbrellas and thousands of other trinkets, though the store is so small that only a fraction can be found at any given location. Prices for most items, many of which Daiso manufacturers in massive quantities to maintain price and quality controls, are $1.50.
The store network is mammoth in proportions, with 2,400 locations in Japan and another 400 spread around Middle and Far East countries. The U.S. debut came in October 2005 when Daiso opened a 4,300 sq. ft. store in Alderwood Mall. The Commons at Federal Way and South Hill Mall were next. The only U.S. location outside of Washington is in Daly City, just outside of San Francisco.
Kent Station, Tarragon Development's mall that continues to come together in phases, is adding additional retail destinations.
The Puget Sound's second Road Runner Sports launched on March 31 with a grand opening celebrating its collection of shoes, apparel and nutritional foods for the serious athlete. Shoppers are attracted to the selection of shoes specially designed for running, walking and cross training. A running analysis station helps athletes identify potential problems with weight distribution and foot pronation. When comfort is at a premium, store associates can fit custom soles, a considerable benefit for marathon and biathlon participants.
Most of the well-known national brands are represented in stores along with private label merchandise. Beyond the retail channel, items are offered via the Internet and a mailed catalog.
San Francisco-based See's Candies is expanding to Kent Station and Puyallup's South Hill Mall. Each store promises packed-to-order chocolates, toffees, brittles and fudge in every variety. Choice raw ingredients are combined and cooked in the company's two California kitchens and then shipped to more than 200 stores throughout the country.
Founded in 1921, See's Candies is now a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffet's investment holding company.