A Nike retail store opens at Westport’s 69 Main St., the former location of the Gap, at 10 a.m. on Thursday. A spokesperson for Nike said that the shop is dedicated to runners featuring running, training and sportswear products.  The Westport store is the second Nike store in Connecticut that is dedicated to runners—the other is in Farmington. Nike will celebrate the store launch all day Thursday and Friday with activities that include a DJ, refreshments and a gift with purchase while supplies last, the company said. In addition to the new runners’ services, Nike Running Westport also will keep consumers informed on local happenings including Nike community programs, running activities, exclusive athlete or celebrity appearances, local races and more, the spokesperson said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Chico’s, the women’s apparel and accessories store at Westport’s 61Main St., reopens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday according to a store employee.  The shop has been closed since the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene in late August. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By James Lomuscio

Westport developer David Waldman says there is a lot of misinformation floating around about his company’s plans to redevelop 35 Church Lane—and that he hopes that information sessions like the one held tonight will alleviate concerns by setting the record straight.

Developers of Bedford Square held a public question and answer session tonight about the planned project. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The meeting, attended by 16 members of the public, was held in the Bedford Room of the Westport Weston Family Y at 59 Post Road East. It was a Q&A format featuring principals of Bedford Square Associates LLC, who, in addition to Waldman, include Dan Zelson, Paul Brandes, and Lance Sauerteig.

Also present were Jeff Reilly and Mark Herter, principals of Centerbrook Architects and Planners hired to undertake the Bedford Square project.

The Q&A was held prior to Bedford Square’s second scheduled appearance before Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) Thursdsay night, as as the group seeks seeks a zone change for the Church Lane property.

The postal boxes and counters still have to be installed in the new Westport Post Office in Playhouse Square on Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By Dave Matlow

Spruce Home & Garden will open at 90 Post Road East, the historic old Town Hall building, with a preview party on Nov.10 according to Steven Wilburn, a managing director of the new business. 

A preview party is set for Nov. 10 at the new business. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Wilburn, a resident of Sherman, said the Westport store will be its third location. He said the first Spruce store opened in New Milford about one year ago after which another opened in West Hartford.

“We’ve chosen Westport for an expansion location because it’s the hub for shopping in lower Fairfield County and it pulls from other local towns,” he said. “It’s like a shopping center without a roof.” 

Wilburn said the store will carry a wide range of accessories including fiberglass pots and urns for planting as well as chandeliers and furniture.  He said that in addition to its 2,450 square feet, the business seeks approval for outdoor displays as well.