Annie Sez Ready to Set New Trends

Open since late August, the new Annie Sez in the Summerhill Mall hopes to set new trends not only in fashion, but also in its other stores.

“It’s the perfect start, to come in and build from the bottom up, and then see what we can do with the other stores," said Fred Forcellati, Creative Director for Annie Sez.

Design elements such as the dark and light wood floor, and color schemes will set the tone for other Annie Sez locations, and as fashions change, so too will the look of the store, said Forcellati.

“It’s always a challenge to use the space to best enhance the product,” he said. “It’s the customer first.”

The 11,000-square-foot store opened Saturday, Aug. 27. To celebrate the its official grand opening, Annie Sez has invited former “Housewife” Dina Manzo, formerly of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” and current host of HGTV’s “Dina’s Party” to make a special appearance on behalf of her charity, Project Ladybug.

Project Ladybug provides assistance to children who are being treated for cancer or other life-threatening childhood diseases at hospitals throughout the country, including St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson. A percentage of the day’s proceeds will be donated to Project Ladybug. The grand opening will be held 2 to 4 p.m.

The approximately 56,000-square-foot Summerhill Mall was approved in 2010 and is expected to be home to 11 tenants, including David’s Bridal, Torrid, Five Below, Muscle Maker Grill, and Ulta (a cosmetics store).