Shopping is a popular pastime in the Vail Valley, and The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon is jumping head first into the market. The resort has opened White Sage, a boutique-style shop in its lobby.
The store focuses primarily on women’s clothes and accessories but also carries smaller gift items.
“Every year, we try and do something new,” said Kristen Pryor, the resort’s general manager. “We’re always looking at our spaces and thinking about what will keep us fresh and updated.”
The store was created to provide a strong, modern experience for visitors.
“As much as people shop online these days, they really like to have something to touch and feel,” Pryor noted. “They also want something to remember their trip by.”
The space that the store is in — located in the hotel’s lobby just behind the library near the front desk — has a storied history itself. The place started as a business center and then was repurposed into an enhancement of kid’s club before ultimately becoming a meeting space.
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“It was never really lively or engaging,” Pryor said.
Carol Lundgaard, a mainstay in the valley’s retail industry, runs the store itself. Lundgaard previously served as a retail manager for Allegria for 20 years and created White Sage to be a standalone store. Gaye Steinke, vice president of health and wellness for East West Hospitality, is excited about Lundgaard’s vision.
“The products are basically made to order,” Steinke said. “We’ll negotiate with the vendor and they’ll send the order, and we don’t necessarily get to reorder because (the product) was only made once.”
Pryor shared those sentiments, also noting that Lundgaard has a knack for finding unique products that you can’t find at the mall or online. And they’ll be offered at approachable, reasonable pricing; sweaters costing between $100 and $200, jeans costing about $180, and tops being sold for between $50 and $70.
The process for creating White Sage began in the spring of 2018, the plans were finalized over the summer, construction began in mid-October and the store opened over the holidays after about an eight-week turnaround.
Pryor noted that the store is already seeing success and interests from the guests.
To celebrate the store opening, The Westin is, of course, throwing a party. The event will take place today from 3 to 8 p.m., and will consist of discounts at the store and a Champagne toast.
The party will also coincide with the resort’s Friday Afternoon Club with food and drink specials, as well as live music from The Laughing Bones from 6 to 9 p.m.
Additionally, the town of Avon will be hosting July in January from 6 to 9 p.m., which will include a fireworks display.
Arts & Entertainment Editor Nate Day can be reached at nday@vaildaily.com or 970-748-2932.
IF YOU GO …
What: White Sage grand opening party.
When: Friday, 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: Westin lobby, Maya.
More information: The event will consist of a Champagne toast and store discounts. Friday Afternoon Club will also be taking place, offering food and drink specials, as well as live music.