After a long slump in popularity, malls are making a comeback.
But the stores look different from the 90s and early aughts less Sears, more Away luggage.
Even smaller brands are popping up at the mall, thanks to new ways to find affordable options.
The malls we knew as kids are gone.
The teenagers of the 20s might hang out in a new generation of pop-up villages and department stores stocked with a rotation of small brands. Instead of Hollister cologne wafting through the mall, they might smell the sandalwood of a hand-poured, American-made soy candle. Between stores, they grab a cup of ethically sourced coffee at a local cafe. Instead of window shopping at Express or J. Crew, they might discover a pop-up shop featuring the jewelry startup they saw on Instagram last night.
Dove and Donkey opens pop-up at The Street Chestnut Hill
Community Content
Dove and Donkey recently opened its second Boston-area pop-up at The Street Chestnut Hill, 33 Boylston St., where shoppers can view curated objects for the home, apparel and accessories.
The pop-up follows Dove and Donkey’s holiday debut at The Current in Boston Seaport. It will be open through March 2021. The brand is owned by women and locals. Dove and Donkey’s pop-up showcases art created by teens employed by Artists For Humanity, a Boston-based non-profit providing under-resourced teens the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in art and design. Artists For Humanity will retain 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their art and shoppers who purchase AFH art at the pop-ups will receive a 10% discount on any Dove and Donkey home textile.
Sweet and Sage Pâtisserie to open pop-up
Community Content
Sweet and Sage Pâtisserie, a new local and female-owned bakery, will debut its first pop-up Dec. 19 at The Street Chestnut Hill.
Sweet and Sage, 49 Boylston St., Suite 4920, Chestnut Hill, will offer a variety of unique, artistically made cookies, brownies, pastries and cakes, as well as a rotating collection of seasonal treats. Guests of The Street Chestnut Hill can find Sweet and Sage’s baked sweets through 2021, next to Shake Shack.
Sweet and Sage was founded by Emily O’Brien, a professional chef and Chestnut Hill resident. At the beginning of the pandemic, O’Brien created Sweet and Sage to sweeten up her clients’ days with fresh, professionally-made baked goods delivered right to their homes. Now, with the opening of Sweet and Sage’s first storefront and pop-up, Emily extends her baking business for all of the community to enjoy.