Somerset Collection Introduces New Retailers to the Michigan Market

The Somerset Collection is the exclusive Michigan location, and in some instances the only location in the Midwest, for five new retailers set to open this year. 

The new 2013 retailers at the Somerset Collection include:

• C Wonder, 3,110 sq ft, opening this fall on Somerset South, second floor; This is one of the first stores in the Midwest for C Wonder, which offers an entirely new retail experience: clothing, accessories and home decor products of outstanding quality and astonishing value in a setting that excites and inspires.
• David Yurman, 1,376 sq ft, opening this September on Somerset South, first floor; David Yurman’s is America’s preeminent jewelry designer with high jewelry collections, men’s jewelry, luxury timepieces, fragrance and eyewear.
• Halston Heritage, 3,000 sq ft, opening this summer on Somerset South, first floor;  This is only the third store in the nation, Halston Heritage, which will feature ready-to-wear, dresses, evening gowns, handbags and an exclusive collection of footwear. Halston Heritage’s other two store locations are in Los Angeles and New York. 
• The Microsoft Store, 7,354 sq ft, opening June 28 on Somerset North, second floor.

Additionally, the Disney Store is expected to open a 4,650 square foot store on Somerset North in early 2014.

In 2012, the Somerset Collection introduced Michigan to several other luxury brands including Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, L.K. Bennett, Hugo Boss, 7 for All Mankind and Aritzia. Collectively, the new stores at the Somerset Collection account for approximately 40,000 square feet of retail. 

“The Somerset Collection has a 44-year history of introducing the top global brands to Michigan and the Midwest,” said Nate Forbes, managing partner of the Forbes Company, which owns the Somerset Collection. “We are thrilled to be presenting these new stores and designers, but our success in attracting and retaining luxury retail is a testament to our customers. Our region continues to grow and thrive, which is why labels such as Giorgio Armani, Halston Heritage and many others decide to locate stores at the Somerset Collection first.”

Of the new stores at the Somerset Collection, this is one of three stores in the Midwest for C Wonder and the only location in the Midwest for 7 for All Mankind, the sixth store to open nationally for L.K. Bennett, and the third store for Halston Heritage. 

Several retailers at the Somerset Collection have recently expanded or made major investments in their locations.  Apple, Lululemon, and BCBG Max Azria expanded their stores and Ann Taylor, Victoria Secret, Build a Bear, Express, Talbot’s, Tumi, California Pizza Kitchen, Brighton and The Limited have remodeled.  Additionally, the Somerset Collection has made capital improvements to their property, with a major renovation to the Peacock Café in 2012 and to the restrooms on the north side.

The Somerset Collection opened in 1969 as a single-story outdoor mall. Saks Fifth Avenue and Au Courant optical fashion were two of the original stores at Somerset Collection that are still located at the mall today. In the intervening years, Somerset Collection has expanded to 1.4 million square feet and has been the first Michigan location for several retailers including anchor tenant Neiman Marcus on Somerset South, and Nordstrom, which opened as an anchor on Somerset North in 1996, and more than 11 brands currently located at the Somerset Collection, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Restoration Hardware and Tiffany & Company.

The Somerset Collection is located on the corner of Big Beaver Road and Coolidge in Troy.  A 700-foot long glass enclosed moving skywalk spans Big Beaver connecting Somerset North with Somerset South. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s, the Somerset Collection is home to more than 180 stores and restaurants. Information about center or store-specific events, as well as store hours can be found at thesomersetcollection.com.  

Based in Southfield, MI, The Forbes Company (theforbescompany.com) is a nationally recognized owner, developer and manager of iconic regional shopping centers, recognized throughout their respective markets for their retail innovation, fashion leadership, distinctive architecture and luxury appointments. In addition to Somerset Collection, these properties include: The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; The Mall at Millenia in Orlando; and Waterside Shops in Naples, Florida.