The Counter, a retro eatery, gourmet market and boutique, opened at Kierland Commons, the shopping center at Scottsdale Road and Greenway Parkway, on the northeast Phoenix-Scottsdale border.
Belly up to the signature counter for a 25-cent cup of coffee and a homemade pop tart or a glass of champagne and a cheese plate. When you leave, bag some house-made hummus, a package of Dean and DeLuca coffee, a throw pillow or a new piece of jewelry.
MALL NEWS
Fiesta Mall in Mesa has a new furniture store.
Sparks sells such famous furniture brands as Ashley, Home Elegance and Tempur-Pedic, and claims to have the lowest prices in the state. Look for it on the lower level of the mall near Sears.
Hot Dog on a Stick started cooking at Fiesta Mall’s food court this week.
Also, the mall has just started selling Westcor Visa debit cards, the mall owner’s version of a use-anywhere gift certificate. Westcor, which now owns all the regional malls in the Valley except Arizona Mills in Tempe, bought Fiesta in November and is rebranding the center.
Ann Taylor Loft is moving in to Paradise Valley Mall, tentatively by the end of the month. The mall already has an Ann Taylor store. Ann Taylor Loft has more casual, less expensive women’s fashions.
GOOD SPORTS
Lax Locker, 3016 N. Dobson Road in Chandler, sells lacrosse gear and clothing and organizes lacrosse leagues. It is celebrating its grand opening Saturday.
Legend Gary Gait of the Colorado Mammoth, two-time NCAA champion Trevor Tierney, NCAA All-American Josh Sims, and Arizona Sting All-Star Dan Dawson are expected to show up noon to 2 p.m. for autographs.
Its sister store, Lax Warehouse in the Scottsdale Airpark, claims to be the first Arizona retail store devoted to the sport.
GILBERT GOODIES
Barnes & Noble is planning an April 20 grand opening for a book superstore in the Crossroads Towne Center, 3807 S. Gilbert Road in Gilbert. It will stock nearly 200,000 book, music, DVD and magazine titles and feature a cafe serving Starbucks coffee.
The store is staging a preview party from 6 to 9 p.m. April 19. Clifford the Big Red Dog, will be on hand to greet his fans.
If you have a new shop to tell us about or you see activity at a retail location and are wondering what’s happening, let us know.
