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David Bodamer
David Bodamer has been Editor-in-Chief since May 2006. Prior to that, he served as Managing Editor. Before joining Retail Traffic, Bodamer served as associate editor and senior associate editor for Commercial...more

International Retailers Target Florida

David Bodamer May 6th, 2008

Miami’s reputation as a place for the hip and trendy, coupled with our influx of international visitors, are two reasons Blumarine and other specialty stores are increasingly choosing South Florida as a launching pad or key market for a U.S. expansion.

Spanish designer Adolfo Dominguez opened its flagship store in November at Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables and has locations in the works for Aventura Mall and Sawgrass Mills. Canadian retailer Fruits & Passion opened its third U.S. store last October in Aventura Mall.

Coming in the next few months to Village of Merrick Park are Brazilian designer Carlos Miele and Chile’s Mosso. Spanish jewelry company TOUS got its U.S. start in Aventura Mall in 2002, and today Florida is one of its top U.S. markets. And that’s just a sampling, nor does it include the international mega-brands that have always filled the Bal Harbour Shops.

Link.