VMP lures new stores to Florida

Borders is set to open an over 23,000 square foot super store complete with books, music and movie titles as well as a café with outdoor seating overlooking the beautiful gardens serving premium coffee, sandwiches and delicious pastries the Village of Merrick Park (VMP), one of the top shopping centers in the United States.

H. Stern recently snared a coveted spot on the Robb Report’s annual list of the world’s finest luxury goods and services.  It has long been renowned for having the inside track on the Brazil’s flourishing colored gem supply, possessing first dibs on such highly coveted stones as Pariba Tourmaline, Alexandrite, Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl and Imperial Topaz.  With locations in major cities and resorts around the world, H. Stern is regularly seen on the necks and fingers of the biggest celebrities, most stunning socialites and discriminating jewelry aficionados.  Both Borders and H. Stern are set to open for the holidays.

Located in Coral Gables just off US-1, VMP is the centerpiece of Coral Gables’ redeveloped Bird Road-Ponce de Leon Blvd. commercial district. With 800,000 square feet of retail, 125,000 square feet of luxury office space and 120 residences, the Village of Merrick Park is a Mediterranean open-air village within a city. The graciously designed buildings meld with Coral Gables’ Spanish-Mediterranean motif and are clustered around gardens and palm-lined pathways.

The Village of Merrick Park is defined by its two distinguished anchors, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Both flagship stores reinforce the shopping center’s luxury image. Façonnable, features elegant men’s and women’s resort wear. Casual chic also defines the fashion agenda at Lacoste, where the sportswear and accessories capture the essence of the sophisticated resort lifestyle. Donald J. Pliner Couture offers a collection of shoes, apparel and accessories that puts chic new spin on the fashion-forward concept, while both Lora Piana and ETRO are synonymous with best of Italian style, design and craftsmanship. Coach and Furla are also the top choices for leather bags, portfolios and accessories, and for the little ones – Janie & Jack, showcase the latest in adorable children’s and baby fashions.

Women take center stage at Ann Taylor, the ideal place to find everything from career wear to cocktail attire, or deck out head-to-toe in sportswear from Fila.  Diane von Furstenberg, Luca Luca and CH Carolina Herrera give their fashions an urban-international interpretation that is ultra-sophisticated. Meanwhile, if shoes are your passion, you’re feet will be impeccably shod after a trip to Gucci or Jimmy Choo. Complete the look with delicious lingerie from the likes of Victoria’s Secret or La Perla.

Elemis Spa retreat, a premier luxury day spa, offers therapeutic and beauty treatments for men and women to rejuvenate the shopper. From Williams Sonoma Home to Baker to Imperial House Textiles the finest home furnishings are at your fingertips whether you are decorating a mansion or a studio apartment.

For more information visit www.villageofmerrickpark.com

Report by Chitra Mogul