Blu Dot in NYC

Blu Dot in NYC Blu Dot Design and Manufacturing said it will open its first brick and mortar, flagship store next month in the SoHo area of New York City.

The modernist furniture designer said the store, about 2,500 square feet, takes over an existing two-story space at 140 Wooster St., originally designed by Nick Dine. The retail space will show Blu Dot's full collection, as opposed to its Dot Spot, store-within-a-store concept, which the company launched in 2007. Will they compete? "We don't plan to have 70 stores," said cofounder John Christakos. "If it works in New York and we go beyond New York, it would be in a handful of locations. It's intended to raise the tide for all boats. I think if we can put up three or four really great stores in big cities that are not competitive with our existing Dot Spots or our existing accounts, that it'll only raise the awareness and the level of our brand in total." Blu Dot has opened more than 10 Dot Spots throughout the nation and Canada (including at Roam in Minneapolis); its most recent openings are in Madison, Wis., and Chicago.

KIM YEAGER

Leaves underfoot Conagua's new Leaves 365 line lets you feel like fall no matter the season.

The line of varigated slate and porcelain leaf tiles, in 2-, 3- and 4-inch sizes, are designed for uses from patios to backsplashes to fireplace surrounds (though spokeswoman Suzi Yanes confides the larger tiles serve well as coasters, too). Prices range from $35 for 12 2-inch leaves to $55 for a dozen of the 4-inchers. You can also get a mix of sizes, or a 6-inch square inset tile ($25 apiece). Order at www.accentsconagua.com or 1-800-905-6060. KIM YEAGER

Notes Letterbox, the stationery and home decor business at 2741 Hennepin Av. S. in Minneapolis, plans to close by the end of the month; owners Kimberley Yurkiewicz and Zach Barocas said they plan to return to their home state of New York. All merchandise, including holiday goods, is half off during special sale hours, noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Petunia's, the Excelsior home decor and vintage shop at 421 3rd St., has scheduled a tented flea market from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, selling one-of-a-kind finds not yet in the shop, including furniture and upholstered pieces, silver, wrought iron, chandeliers and discounted store merchandise. For whimsey: Owner Betty Sorensen promises fairy card readings, as well.