Kate Spade’s new digs draw raves

Upscale women’s handbag store opens on Palmer Square just in time for holiday buying season

By: Marjorie Censer
   To say the new Kate Spade store in Palmer Square was highly anticipated would be an understatement — at least for some customers.
   One woman knocked on the glass of the store Sunday and pointed out the items she wanted to buy, virtually pleading with the manager to let her purchase them. Others, too, peered in the store, hoping it was open, or called to ask when they could get inside to see the items.
   Monday, Kate Spade — an upscale retailer known for its handbags — opened its doors to customers, just in time for the holiday season.
   "It’s a great time to open," General Manager Ashleigh Gelinas said.
   The store’s internal construction was completed Friday, Ms. Gelinas said, and her staff spent the weekend setting up the space after merchandise arrived Friday.
   The 1,368-square-foot space — formerly occupied by Zoe — has room to display many of the items for sale, but Ms. Gelinas said the store has much more merchandise available.
   "Everything you see isn’t everything we have," she said, noting that many colors and sizes aren’t in view but kept in the back.
   In addition to handbags, Kate Spade sells shoes, sunglasses, stationery, beauty products and home furnishings.
   David Newton, vice president of Palmer Square Management, said the store’s location situates it well within Palmer Square. He said Hulfish Street is becoming a place for high fashion, noting that it’s now home to Zoe, Kate Spade, Coach and Blue Mercury.
   "It’s a good fit for us," Mr. Newton said. "We have a goal of finding upscale tenants that complement our existing tenant base."
   Ms. Gelinas, too, praised the location, noting the frequent foot and vehicle traffic by the store.
   "I think we’ll get a great response," she said.