Garden City Center announces additions, expansions

Garden City Center has welcomed a pair of new pop-up spaces and will see other retailers arrive or expand in the months ahead, the shopping center announced recently.

Booty by Brabants, which sells workout attire, has already opened its first Rhode Island pop-up space, as has Ohanga, described as “an art and artisinal marketplace for Rhode Island creatives.”

The new retailers coming to the shopping center include Aerie, a “inclusive intimate and apparel retailer”; Skin Spa New York, which offers skincare and beauty treatment; Sunglass Hut, which is returning to Garden City; and Ulta, a “premier beauty destination” offering cosmetic, fragrance, skin and hair care products.

Elsewhere, Providence Diamond’s space will expand to include a showroom, according to the shopping center, while men’s clothing store Jos. A. Bank will “refresh to a new retail space on property.”

Garden City Center, long a staple of Rhode Island’s retail landscape, was acquired by Boston-based WS Development early last year.

Its statement indicates the center has “continued to see strong sales and traffic amidst the pandemic over the last two years.” The statement also notes the earlier announcement of Old Navy being added to the center’s roster of stores, with an opening anticipated this fall.

“These exciting new additions to Garden City Center add even more offerings for shopping, dining, relaxation and self-care than ever before,” Joe Koechel, general manager of Garden City Center, said in the statement. “Our lifestyle destination has offerings for the entire family and we are proud continue to grow and evolve Garden City Center to meet the needs of our loyal shoppers.”

Blue Ox Axe Throwing plans Sept. 25 opening

A new axe-throwing venue is slated to open in Cranston later this month.

Blue Ox Axe Throwing recently announced its plans to open at 545 Atwood Ave. on Sept. 25. According to a press release, the Cranston venue will be the second location for the Connecticut-based company, although the company’s website lists Connecticut locations in Bridgeport and Wallingford, as well as a location in Oregon City, Oregon.

“I am so enthralled to bring axe throwing to Cranston, RI,” Carlos Cayboria, identified as the owner of Blue Ox and a Marine Corps veteran, said in the press release. “Our team has received overwhelming support from the town during the opening process and I hear daily from Cranston residents about their excitement to throw! I am looking forward to creating a location for people to let loose, have fun, and enjoy each other. I can’t wait for what this can add to the great community here.”

According to the press release, the Blue Ox Axe Throwing location will encompass 5,000 square feet. There will be “seven private throwing lanes with two targets in each lane.” Patrons will be invited to bring their own beverages and food, but no hard liquor will be permitted.

In terms of costs and options, the press release spells out what will be available to axe-throwers:

“Customers can book either a one-hour ‘open throw’ session or a two-hour ‘social throw’ session, both provide guests instructions from our ‘Axe Masters.’ Axe Masters begin each session with a brief introductory lesson on the rules and proper throwing technique. Open Throw is recommended for smaller groups (2-10 throwers), lasts one hour and costs $25 per thrower. Social Throw is recommended for larger groups (typically 6-16 throwers), lasts two hours (ensuring enough throwing time for all participants) and costs $45 per thrower – a minimum of three throwers is required for Social Throw.”

For more information, visit www.blueoxaxe.com or email cranston@blueoxaxe.com. -- Herald staff