FAO Schwarz to open early in Scottsdale

Toy shoppers can get a peek at the first Arizona FAO Schwarz store-within-a-store, scheduled to open today in Macy's at Scottsdale Fashion Square, a week ahead of the original opening date.

Macy's forged a deal with the venerable toy retailer to carve out space for full-size FAO Schwarz-operated toy stores inside all Macy's stores with children's departments.

Speaking of Macy's famous-brand stores within the big stores, also effective starting this month is the New York-based department store's exclusive agreement with Tommy Hilfiger. The designer signed a deal that will make Macy's stores the only U.S. locations other than signature Hilfiger shops that can sell his men's and women's sportswear.

You may not notice a difference at your Macy's, although the company said it will expand and enhance the Hilfiger shop spaces in many locations.

BILTMORE BUZZ

The Apple Store at Biltmore Fashion Park, the upscale, open-air shopping center at 24th Street and Camelback Road, is expected to reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday after closing for a few days for a makeover. Apple plans to hand out T-shirts to the first 500 customers.

Biltmore's Saks Fifth Avenue expanded its designer shoe department and gave it a ZIP code. The U.S. Postal Service may not recognize it since the local Saks adopted the flagship New York store's 10022-SHOE.

As part of the launch, the Biltmore store added vendors such as Valentino and Givenchy to its already impressive assortment of top footwear fashion names. Saks plans a series of events through the fall season to mark the occasion.

DOG DIGS

The PetSmart at 4380 N. Miller Road in downtown Scottsdale is celebrating the grand opening of its PetsHotel on Saturday and Sunday with tours and coupons for free stays - for Fido or Tabby, that is.

The PetSmart moved into the space Osco vacated on the southwest corner of Miller and Camelback roads. With the debut of the lodging option, the new PetSmart has all the features of a full-service store except Banfield veterinary services. The vet business is expected to be available there by February.

MIDTOWN MASSAGES

Rustic Sage Healing Haven is scheduled to open next week at 7050 E. Fifth Ave. in Old Town Scottsdale.

The shop will offer "many types of therapeutic massage, yoga, gyrokinesis, Reiki and a variety of transformational services, classes and workshops, such as emotional freedom techniques, deeksha and spiritual restructuring," according to owner Wendy Schulstad. She plans to host a Celebration of Healing 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday. It will be open to the public.