strength in numbers
More retail variety is in store at West County Center in Des Peres, just in time for the winter holiday season. Kansas based owners Tyler Enders, Adam Pfeifer and Thomas McIntyre are opening Kindred, a boutique with several vendors who each bring different styles, items and concepts to the store. The first Kindred location opened last December at Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kansas.

a big production
Business partners Kris Marino and Kevin Smith have decided to take their event management game to another level with their newly launched company, Big Blue Spark (bigbluespark.com). Marino brings an extensive background in event planning at different venues around St. Louis, while Smith has years of experience organizing everything from galas to corporate events. Together, they are offering event planning, management, technical production and talent management under a single umbrella.

changing spots
Leopard Boutique has opened a new ‘Spot to Shop’ in Maplewood. The business, which aims to redefine femininity for modern women, also has locations in Webster Groves and St. Charles. Owner Rachel Sauter first opened Leopard Boutique in 2012.

gear for geeks
Comic lovers area-wide will be happy to know Apotheosis Comics & Lounge is celebrating its one-year anniversary! The venue, which sells comics, graphic novels, games and drinks at its space on S. Grand Boulevard, counts itself as a neighborhood hangout for the “nerd proud and nerd shy.” It also serves as an event space for open mic comedy nights, gaming sessions and beverage tastings, and supports local artists and entrepreneurs.

a leg up
Kirkwood resident Sarah Wood has opened St. Louis Dancewear in Olivette at 9644 Olive Blvd. It offers everything dancers of any age might need and also supports a good cause. So far, the new shop has donated more than 100 gently used costumes to Traveling Tutus, a nonprofit that distributes the outfits to young dancers around the world in orphanages, children’s homes, hospitals, foster care and low-income schools.