Patch Chats: Hip Chic On The Move

As the debate continues to rage over which has better shopping, Upper Montclair or Downtown, Downtown is about to get a major boost as the popular clothing and accessories shop Hip Chic will be vacating its Bellevue Avenue location and moving to the heart of Downtown.

The busy corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Park Street, formerly Magicolor Photo, will be Hip Chic's new home. The fresh space is approximately twice the size of the uptown location, and boasts a large windowed corner. "I'm sorry to see them go from Upper Montclair, but look forward to checking out the new location," says an Upper Montclair resident. "It will be a great reason for me to go downtown!"

Hopes are that the new downtown location will benefit from a lot of walk-in traffic, as people patronize the many shops and restaurants that characterize the neighborhood. The YMCA will also be almost directly across Park Street from the new Hip Chic, so people will be able to stop in before or after working out or taking their kids to classes. "I'll be able to take my daughter to grab a bite to eat in the neighborhood and then go to Hip Chic," says one downtown mom. "We can't wait for them to open!"

Advertised as selling "clothing, accessories and hip gifts . . . for the young at heart," Hip Chic specializes in girls' sizes 7-16 and also carries Juniors in Roxy, Miss Me, and other popular brands. They also carry a wide range of headbands, scarves, jewelry, flip flops, and other accessories. In addition, shoppers can find fun lip gloss and other makeup, as well as cool stuff for kids' rooms and a wide selection of gift items.

"I love going in there," says another Montclair mom. "Every time my daughter has a birthday party to go to, we just run in and they always help me find the perfect gift! It's also great for special occasion outfits."

Hip Chic plans to open in their new location on Saturday, August 7. Currently, the uptown location is putting select merchandise on sale. New, incoming merchandise is being routed directly to the new store, including the new back-to-school lines. Special sales and celebrations will mark the Grand Opening, so stay tuned for details!