It’s like Main Street comes to the mall. Easton, about 10 minutes from downtown Columbus, was one of the forerunners in lifestyle centers, mixed use developments that combine shopping, dining, entertainment, hotels, office space and residential units in an area designed more like a small town than a suburban shopping mall. The 90-acre Easton Town Center features nationally known chains and specialty stores along tree-lined streets with pocket parks, fountains and benches. Tenants include Nordstrom, Macy’s, Crate and Barrel, Apple, Tiffany & Co., Burberry and Henri Bendel.
‘A lot of thought was put into every corner,’ said Bethany Braden, marketing manager for the center.
Our day sampling hands-on experiences for groups began with breakfast at Nordstrom’s Bistro Cafe before the high-end store opened. ‘Personal stylists’ Kevin Bailey and Maria Kontomerkos gave us a look at the latest styles in men’s and women’s fashions, including apparel, accessories and shoes. Flowery-pattern swim trunks are in for men. We then had the run of the store before it opened.
Our next stop was Archiver’s, a scrapbooker’s paradise filled with anything you could possibly want to save your memories in a scrapbook. Although we didn’t have time for a full-blown demonstration, the staff explained how groups can take classes in making greeting cards, calendars or scrapbooks. ‘It is a very social experience,’ said staff member Courtney. ‘You can learn something you can apply to your own crafts or learn what is going on in the world of card making.’
Groups can also have a cooking demonstration at Sur La Table with chef Brad Kovak.
