SOMERSET COLLECTION WELCOMES NEW RETAILERS FOR SPRING AS SEVERAL STORES UNVEIL REMODELS

New lease signings are also announced

TROY, MI (June 8, 2010) — Somerset Collection, the region’s premier shopping and dining destination owned and managed by The Forbes Company, Southfield, Michigan, welcomed contemporary designer boutiques Tory Burch and Intermix, has seen several stores unveil – or prepare to unveil – interior renovations, and announced the names of retailers set to open this summer and fall.

Contemporary women’s wear designer Tory Burch opened her eponymous store last month on the first floor of Somerset South.  The 2500-square-foot boutique, its first in Michigan, is accented with orange lacquer doors, mirrored walls and Lucite fixtures, and carries the designer’s full collection of eclectic, classically-styled sportswear, handbags, accessories and shoes, including its trademark ballet flats adorned with the brand’s gold, double T logo.  

Next door to Tory Burch, multi-designer boutique Intermix also opened last month.  The 2411-square-footspace was the first in the 24-store chain to showcase the retailer’s new store layout and displays.  Intermix carries ladies’ sportswear, dresses, shoes, handbags and jewelry from more than120 designers and contemporary labels including Diane von Furstenberg, Chloe, MMissoni, Vince, Yigual Azrouel, Helmut Lang and Citizens of Humanity.  

Also on Somerset South, women’s designer shoe shop Stuart Weitzman will completely remodel its 1495-square-foot boutique.  The project will commence in early August with completion set for mid-fall.

On Somerset North, natural cosmetics and skincare brand Bare Escentuals will open July 9’Th on the first floor just off the Grand Court in a 709-square-foot shop.  In addition to selling the brand’s award winning products and makeup applicators, it will regularly host in-store events including seminars conducted by members of its National Artistry Team.

Next door to Bare Escentuals, Pandora Jewelry will open in the fall in a 1066-square-foot space. Founded in Denmark in 1982, the brand has a global presence and is known for its signature collectible charm bracelets.  The jeweler also creates necklaces, earrings and charms, many adorned with semi-precious and precious stones.  

Tapper’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry will open its third Detroit area store inearly September on the second floor of Somerset North. The 5600-square-footboutique will carry such luxury brands as Rolex, Chopard, Tag Heuer, RaymondWeil, Roberto Coin, Judith Ripka and John Hardy.  The store will have an on-site jeweler and offer custom design services, watch and jewelry repair and gold buying.  

Finally, Fossil, retailer of branded sport watches and fine timepieces, as well as men’s and women’s accessories, took the wraps off the nearly two-month renovation of its third floor boutique, while the Pink innerwear and lingerie brand from Victoria’s Secret will complete its renovation mid June.

Somerset Collection is located on the corner of Big Beaver Road and Coolidge in Troy.  A 700-foot long glass enclosed moving skywalk spans Big Beaver connecting Somerset North with Somerset South. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s, Somerset Collection is home to more than 180 stores and restaurants, where many of which have their only area or statewide location, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Barneys New York Co-Op, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Max Mara, Henri Bendel, St. John, as well as the casual Peacock Cafés and five sit down restaurants including Capital Grille. Information about center or store-specific events, as well as store hours can be found at www.thesomersetcollection.com.

The Forbes Company (www.theforbescompany.com) is a nationally recognized owner, developer and manager of luxury, iconic shopping centers renowned throughout their respective markets for their retail innovation, fashion leadership, distinctive architecture and luxury appointments. In addition to Somerset Collection, these properties include three shopping centers in Florida:  The Mall at Millenia in Orlando, The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens and Waterside Shops in Naples.