After 20 successful years in city neighborhoods,
Avalon Exchange is entering a new market. In August, the independent boutique—which specializes in gently worn clothing and contemporary fashions—will expand its Pittsburgh presence with a new store at 680 Washington Rd., along
Mt. Lebanon’s commercial district.
Owner Stewart McLean hopes the 3,000-square-foot shop—Avalon’s largest digs to date—will draw patrons from throughout the South Hills. “It’s the only other place in Pittsburgh that makes sense for us,” says McLean, who would love to see a record store and ice cream shop open along Washington Rd., where approximately 20,000 cars pass daily “It’s a main business corridor.”
McLean is giving the space, which previously housed The Textile Studio, a makeover. “We’re putting in a new storefront façade with a solid wall of glass,” adds McLean, whose daughter Chelsea will manage the store. "In retail, your best assets are your windows." Abraham Lopez will design the store’s fashion forward mannequin displays. Interior renovations involve building dressing rooms and offices, sanding and staining concrete floors and revamping the ceiling.
While Avalon’s target audience is ages 16-26, the store draws a diverse clientele and sells styles from all eras. The Mt. Lebanon shop will also carry sunglasses, accessories, wigs, and hosiery. “We’ll bring in very trendy girls clothing comparable to Forever 21,” adds McLean, who co-owns
Rag-o-Rama, which operates stores in Atlanta, Columbus, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. “We buy designer denim and basics from places like Gap, Hollister, Abercrombie, and Express.”
Previously located in Oakland, Avalon currently operates a 2,000-square-foot shop at 5858 Forbes Ave. in Squirrel Hill, where sales are up 20 percent from last year.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Stewart McLean, Avalon Exchange
Image courtesy Avalon Exchange