Jack Mitchell, owner of the exclusive Mitchells of Westport (Conn.) apparel store, announced he will open a new apparel showcase under the Richards mast in Greenwich, Conn., on September 6.
The two-level 27,000-square-foot Richards will try to match, if not exceed, the glamour of the sister store with a luxurious design created by Fitzpatrick Design Group (New York). Fitzpatrick worked with the Mitchell family to develop a store with a Versailles flavor, sporting 3-foot windows, a glass elevator, wrought-iron railings and hanging lanterns. But the store's architectural crown appears to be the 18th Century-inspired “flying staircase.” In creating this element, the designers and owners studied staircase treatments in such like-minded stores as Barneys in Beverly Hills, Mario's in Seattle and Gump's in San Francisco. There is a report that Mitchell spent about $20 million on the store, which – if true – would be in the neighborhood of $750 per square foot. But Mitchell said he expects to make that back in the first year.
The store will also have a patio for receptions, a tailor shop and parking that accommodate 200 cars. Women's labels will include Armani Collezione, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors, plus a Hermes shop. Men's labels will include Prada, Hugo Boss and Polo Purple Label, though women's merchandise will be about 33 percent of the store's total in the beginning, ultimately climbing to 40 percent. The major competition will come from an existing Saks Fifth Avenue store three blocks away, but that Saks store does not sell men's wear.
The store's name comes from the Richards men's store – across Greenwich Avenue from the new store – that Mitchell bought five years ago. After the premier of the new Richards, he will open a 2,000-square-foot Zegna Sport shop in the old Richards in October, and then will begin renovating his 42-year-old, 25,000-square-foot Westport flagship store.