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2 Stores Will Open 'Soft' At Wiregrass

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By KEVIN WIATROWSKI

kwiatrowski@tampatrib.com

Published: October 18, 2008

The wait is nearly over for shoppers eager to visit The Shops at Wiregrass mall in Wesley Chapel.

Two of the mall's anchor stores - Dillard's and Macy's - plan to open quietly next week, ahead of the mall's Oct. 30 grand opening. The mall is at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

The so-called "soft" openings will be on Wednesday for Dillard's and Thursday for Macy's, said the mall's new general manager, Greg Lenners.

Both retailers will hold their grand openings Oct. 25, Lenners said.

S.R. 56, now under construction in front of the mall, will be open as far east as Dillard's by Monday, according to Debbie Bolduc, who oversees road construction for the county.

Visitors will be able to park in a lot on the south side of Dillard's and in the parking garage behind Macy's. Access to both stores will be through side entrances; the front entrances will be closed until the mall opens, Lenners said.

On the weekend the mall opens, retailers and mall officials have scheduled a variety of events to celebrate. Among the events are:

•Macy's Newest Star Makeover Event

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 30 at Center Court

Includes a speech by makeup expert Laura Geller followed by free makeovers by appointment. Call (813) 975-2200 to schedule a makeover.

•Stroller Spook

9 a.m. Oct. 31 mallwide

Features a free Stroller Strides class with costume contests for the kids, refreshments and door prizes. To register for a spot, type "Wiregrass" as the class location at www.strollerstrides.com.

•JCPenney Health and Fitness Event

10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Oct. 31 at Center Court

Will feature fitness expert Kim Merkel offering participants two workout sessions and a chance to win sports apparel from JCPenney.

•Dillard's Designer Runway Show

6 p.m. Nov. 1 at Center Court

Will feature stylist Rebecca Weinberg hosting a fashion show open to the public. Includes a 4 p.m. benefit for the American Cancer Society at The Brass Tap. Benefit requires a $20 donation.

•Print Pink! Imprinting Days

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2 at Center Court

For a $50 donation to the American Cancer Society, participants can leave their handprints in clay tiles that will be glazed and installed throughout the mall.

Reporter Kevin Wiatrowski can be reached at (813) 948-4201.

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