Retail roundup: ‘Tis the season for shopping malls

Several comings and goings and temporary tenants to report at the area's shopping malls:

Super Bowl pop ups:

• Vera Bradley opened a temporary shop on Circle Centre mall’s second level, next to the entrance to Carson Pirie Scott. The homegrown handbag and accessory maker has a permanent store at Clay Terrace.
• LoveSac Alternative Furniture Co. took a spot on Circle Centre’s second level next to AT&T. The Connecticut-based chain opened a permanent store in April at The Fashion Mall at Keystone, its first in Indiana.

Pop-ups for the holidays:

• See’s Candies—the California-based chocolate maker owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway—has set up shop in Castleton Square across from Macy’s. See’s does a brisk business during the holidays since it rarely sells its products east of the Rocky Mountains. Ask for a sample of the Toffee-ettes.
• Hickory Farms is another good spot to grab a quick bite while shopping. The Ohio-based cheese and summer sausage specialist operates out of large kiosks at Greenwood Park and Castleton Square. It’s also only around for the holidays. Why pay rent all year when 80 percent of your sales come in a few short weeks?
• A Gaither Christmas at Castleton Square is the first pop-up store for proprietors Bill and Gloria Gaither of Alexandria, Ind. They run a gift shop, café and recording studio in Alexandria, Ind. The massive Castleton store, which has taken the former Borders space, will be heaven to anyone who spends the year looking forward to Christmas.
• Holiday Village has replaced the former Borders at Hamilton Town Center. The cavernous space is home to the mall’s Santa spread, a Go! games and calendar shop and a curtained-off women’s boutique called AH Fashion. There also are a handful of mostly vacant mall kiosk spaces, including one for a chiropractor.

Just arrived/Coming soon:

• Ovation and The MacExperience on Nov. 21 opened a joint store at Greenwood Park Mall, at the end of the wing that attaches to the mall’s lifestyle addition. The two local retailers also have a joint store along East 82nd Street in Castleton.
• Madewell, a sister brand of J. Crew, is planning its first Indiana store for The Fashion Mall. The target opening date is set for March.
• Flat Top Grill, a stir-fry concept, is coming to Hamilton Town Center. The suburban Chicago-based chain plans to open across from Stone Creek Dining Co. and Dick's Sporting Goods.
• Urban Outfitters is scheduled to open its shop at The Fashion Mall on Dec. 8. The store is in the mall’s west wing, across from MG Tates.
• Hanna Andersson, which sells soft-cotton Swedish children’s clothing, opened Nov. 2, in the hallway outside Nordstrom at The Fashion Mall.
• Windsor, a young women’s dress and accessories shop, in August opened stores at Greenwood Park and Castleton Square. The California-based chain already had stores in Fort Wayne and Merrillville.
• Braelyn Studios, a homegrown photography shop aimed at families, has opened both an in-line store and a kiosk at Lafayette Square Mall.
• Justice, the girl’s clothing and accessories shop, has opened a renovated store at Greenwood Park. The Ohio-based chain has nine stores in central Indiana.
• Menchie's Frozen Yogurt plans to open a shop in Hamilton Town Center next to Sunglass Hut.

Departures:

• Man Alive, the Hip Hop clothier, has closed at Circle Centre. The shop was once part of The Finish Line.
• Crocs closed its shop at Castleton Square. A sign on the door directs shoppers to the company’s store at the Edinburgh outlet mall.
• Pacers Home Court gift shop has closed at Circle Centre. Its replacement: the homegrown Go Fish Clothing & Jewelry Co.
• Paradise Bakery closed at Greenwood Park, making way for replacement Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Pizza.