Anthropologie Joins New Orleans Retail Resurgence

Anthroplogie (Philadelphia) today joined a growing number of retailers who have invested in the retail-resurgence of New Orleans, opening a 9000-square-foot store in a complex that borders the French Quarter.

After three years of scouting for a New Orleans location, Anthropologie decided on The Shops at Canal Place for its 146th store, which will join the likes of Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue in the complex.

Anthropologie used a raised porch and exaggerated shutters on the outside of the storefront, with reclaimed white oak and barn wood for the interior floors and dressing rooms. The bi-level space is connected by a wood-tread staircase suspended by steel cables. The space was largely inspired by New Orleans’ history and architecture.

“We were reinvigorated by the richness of the artistic community in New Orleans,” Anthropologie co-president and chief operating officer Wendy B. McDevitt told Women's Wear Daily.

A local artist was commissioned to create a mural depicting local culture, and the store will offer original merchandise by local designers.