Tory Burch, founder of one of the most coveted brands in luxury retail, will open a store in Edina's Galleria in October.
Burch, who was praised by Oprah back in 2005 as being "the next big thing in fashion" is now worth more than $1 billion.
"We're really elated. It's a coup to bring in Tory Burch," said Jerry Cohen, general property manager at the Galleria. "We started the conversation a couple of years ago."
Burch's brand personifies a preppy bohemian look — an unstructured, unfussy look.
Her collection in the Galleria store will include ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, watches, eyewear and fragrances. Burch has 180 boutiques in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia in addition to the brand being offered at 3,000 department stores and specialty stores worldwide and at toryburch.com.
"Tory Burch is the modern day Lilly Pulitzer with her white, pink and green palette," said Gwen Leeds, a local fashion stylist. "Her price points are not inexpensive but not over-the-top expensive either. She's perfect for the Galleria."
Burch's brand has ascended quickly since she launched in 2004. She was the 73rd most powerful woman in the world according to Forbes in 2015. She is also a well-known philanthropist, launching a charitable organization with a $10 million capital investment in 2014 to help women entrepreneurs with low-cost loans.
The boutique will take the place of Dugo, which moved into Pendleton's former space. The store will sport the iconic orange doors, white chandeliers and teal mohair sofas. It will be located near Marmi, David Yurman, Kate Spade and Tiffany's.
Tory Burch is another example of the Galleria bringing in nationally known upscale brands.
"It's a good fit," said Dave Brennan, co-director of the University of St. Thomas Institute for Retailing Excellence. "Hines has repositioned the Galleria so that locally owned stores like Twill and Creative Kidstuff complement the national brands."
Hines Global REIT, an international real estate firm based in Houston, acquired the Galleria in 2012 from Gabbert Beck.
John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633
