Storecasting: Kitson Empire Strikes Americana, Then Melrose

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Time for some morning Storecasting, where we give you the latest retail developments. See something brewing in your neighborhood? Hit us with pics and tips.

The next Kitson, slated to open this month at Americana at Brand, is offically going to be ginormous. Women's Wear Daily reports: "Kitson at the Americana will be 15,000 square feet and designed like a department store, with women's, children's and gift merchandise on the 10,000-square-foot ground level and men's wear, which Ross cited as a fast-growing segment, on the 5,000-square-foot second floor." Though Kitson has four shops on Robertson Boulevard (and one in Dubai), apparently rents are getting too high even for Kitson owner Fraser Ross, who told the fashion trade, "The rents on Robertson are getting a little ridiculous and the street is getting a little more corporate, so it was time to aggressively expand elsewhere."

After legal issues regarding parking at its future Melrose boutique, WWD notes "a subsequent lawsuit against the landlord that has been resolved," freeing up the trendy chain to go forward with the space: "The 7,000-square-foot Melrose Avenue store also will be two floors, and Ross signed a 10-year lease." That's a whole lot of Kitson, people. And a whole lot of potential paparazzi.
· Kitson Charts Growth Spurt [WWD, subscription req]
· Kitson Melrose NOT Opening [Racked]