Saks
Inc. to Open Club Libby Lu for Tweens in Downtown Disney
at the Disneyland Resort
(Birmingham, AL; Business Wire
September 22, 2004) Retailer Saks Incorporated (the
"Company") announced its plans to open a flagship Club
Libby Lu store in October 2004 in the Downtown Disney(R)
District at the Disneyland(R) Resort in Anaheim,
California. Club Libby Lu, an experience-driven retail
concept, refers to its 'tween customers as VIPs (Very
Important Princesses) who receive the "royal" treatment
as they enter the pre-teen fantasyland for shopping,
birthday parties, and special events.
"Together, our enthusiastic staff
(known as 'club counselors'), our interactive store
environment, and unique merchandise provide the ultimate
girl experience. Club Libby Lu is a perfect fit for the
atmosphere of Downtown Disney. A visit to Club Libby Lu
will be a great way to add even more fun to your
daughter's Disney experience," said Club Libby Lu Founder
and President, Mary Drolet. Drolet, known as the
'Procurer of Princess Paraphernalia,' based the store
concept on her imaginary childhood friend, Libby
Lu.
Club Libby Lu's mission is to
create a spontaneous environment that encourages girls to
express their imagination and individuality. 'Tween girls
(ages 6-12) enjoy hanging out with their friends, playing
games, learning new dance steps, or having their birthday
parties with the guidance of club counselors. This
creates a totally girl-focused and magical
space.
The 2,038 square foot store will be
the largest so far in the Chicago-based chain. Stores are
typically 1,100 to 1,500 square feet and are organized
into four shopping zones. Libby's Laboratory is where
creativity abounds with the "make your own fancy potion"
area. Here VIPs can mix colorful, glittery concoctions of
bath and shower gels, nail polish, cologne, and fairy
dust. There's also Libby's Bedroom with decorative
accessories, casual wear, and sleepwear. Libby's Jewelry
Box and The Style Studio are where girls can find the
dress-up apparel, shoes, and accessories to become a
Starlet, Enchanted Princess, Rock'n Roll Chick, or Party
Pop Princess.
George Jones, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Saks Department Store Group, noted,
"Club Libby Lu offers a truly unique assortment of
products and experiences for the 'tween' customer. This
fresh, distinctive, and entertaining concept is a perfect
complement to Disney's offerings. We look forward to
delighting the VIPs and making their Disney experience
even more special."
About Saks Incorporated
Saks Incorporated operates Saks
Fifth Avenue Enterprises (SFAE), which consists of 64
Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 54 Saks Off 5th stores. The
Company also operates its Saks Department Store Group
(SDSG) with 238 department stores under the names of
Parisian, Proffitt's, McRae's, Younkers, Herberger's,
Carson Pirie Scott, Bergner's, and Boston Store and the
Club Libby Lu specialty stores.
Saks Incorporated acquired the then
eleven-store Club Libby Lu chain in May 2003, and the
Company is rapidly expanding the unique four-year old
concept. There are currently 30 Club Libby Lu specialty
stores in 15 states and Club Libby Lu store-in-stores in
15 of SDSG's department stores. You can find out more
about Club Libby Lu at www.clublibbylu.com.
About the Downtown Disney(R)
District
Located in the heart of the
Disneyland(R) Resort, between Disneyland(R) Park and the
new Disney's California Adventure(TM) Park, Downtown
Disney(R) District is an entertainment mecca for all
visitors to the resort area. The non-admission-fee
district features themed shopping, dining, nightclubs,
and other entertainment venues, all within walking
distance for guests of the resort and the Disneyland
Resort Hotels.