[EXCLUSIVE] Bvlgari Says "Basta!" to Lenox Square Boutique

Well-placed sources confirm to ToNeTo Atlanta that Italian luxury boutique Bvlgari will close its store at Lenox Square in Buckhead at the end of September.  The store, which measures 2,188 square feet, opened in 2008, so its closure would seem to come at the end of what may have been a ten year lease.  Located at the cusp of the "Luxury Wing," Bvlgari is currently located between Fendi and Ermenegildo Zegna.  

ToNeTo Atlanta first reported in January that Fendi would vacate their current 2,073 square foot space and relocate to a new 2,735 square foot space in a portion of the lower level of the former Ralph Lauren store.  Last month, ToNeTo Atlanta reported that French cosmetics company L'Occitane plans to return to Lenox Square in a portion of the current Fendi space.  

Established in Rome, Italy in 1884, Bvlgari is today owned by LVMH, owner of numerous fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Sephora, represented in Lenox Square.  LVMH also owns Dior with a boutique at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, and Hublot, the ultra premium watchmaker, which this past February closed its store at Phipps Plaza.  

Another Bvlgari boutique at Terminal A of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will remain open.

The Bvlgari space, located the corner of the Luxury Wing and the "main mall" corridor, opens up a unique opportunity for a new, relocating or upgrading retailer or cafe to open in the mall.   

When asked about plans for the prime vacancies at Lenox Square [Prime, Sprinkles, Karen Millen, The Shoe Box and now, Bvlgari],  a representative from Lenox Square said:  

“Simon has a strategic leasing plan in place for Lenox Square. We will share information as leases are finalized.”

ToNeTo Atlanta reported last month that online mattress retailer Casper plans to open its second Atlanta area "sleep store" in the former The Shoe Box space in the coming months. 

Are you surprised that Bvlgari has elected to close its Lenox Square boutique?  What would you like to see open in place of Bvlgari at Lenox Square?  

Please share your thoughts below.