Spring is an exciting time at West County Center. There are some new faces in the neighborhood, and some old ones expanding or getting makeovers. In a word, “There’s a lot going on,” says Sean Phillips, the center’s marketing director.
Mary Ann Allen, owner of Imagine That, says she’s particularly enthusiastic for the new season. Allen opened her West County Center store in November 2015, expanding from Cape Girardeau, and now she’s moving to a larger space. Imagine That specializes in lines like Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines and Simply Southern—trendy, vibrant clothing that she says is in high demand. In addition, she stocks fun, innovative items sometimes hard to find in other places. “I travel across the U.S. looking for the next big thing,” Allen says, citing in particular the new PopSocket grips for smartphones and Fatboy ‘inflatable’ chairs.
But what about shoes to go with those trendy outfits? Vans, the original action sports footwear company and a hot ticket in today’s youth market, will open before the summer. Located on Level 2 near Nordstrom, it offers the “hippest of the hip” in men’s and women’s performance footwear, apparel and accessories, Phillips says. Child and infant sizes also are available.
As for other newcomers, there’s a Cell Doc moving in on Level 2 near Macy’s, and the smartphone repair shop promises to sort out most problems—glass and LCD replacement, water damage, headphone jack replacement, home button repair and battery replacements—in under 30 minutes. “There’s no wait time, and the doctor is always in!” Phillips says. The store plans to sell chargers, cases and other accessories.
Meanwhile, Helzberg Diamonds is remodeling its existing location to open mid-May, and Phillips says Starbucks has replaced its current kiosk with a brand-new concept on Level 1 near JCPenney. (Helzberg currently operates out of a temporary location next door.)
Hungry after all that shopping? Phillips says Classic Dogs & More is a tasty addition to the Food Court, with 20 hot dog types offered, from Italian sausages and German brats to corn dogs and Chicago dogs. Not in the mood for sausage? What about a gyro or Reuben, or an Italian beef sandwich? Sides include sweet potato fries, jalapeno poppers and nachos, and how about a fried Twinkie for dessert? Elsewhere in the food court, the old Fusion Kitchen has expanded its menu and changed its name to Falafel & Grill, adding falafel sandwiches, kabobs and Mediterranean appetizers like hummus and baba ghanoush. Mmm …
Pictured: Fashions from Simply Southern at Imagine That
Photo: Colin Miller at Strauss Peyton Photography
Located at I-270 and Manchester Road, West County Center stores offer the latest in spring fashions. Pictured on the cover: Models from Mother Model Management wear fashions from Forever 21. Makeup by Sephora. For more information, visit shopwestcountycenter.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
