Rack joins a slew of other new clothing stores at Lakeside Village, from Amelia Paige Boutique to J. Crew Factory. | Photo by LALtoday
Today’s the day — Nordstrom Rack opens its highly anticipated Lakeside Village location this morning. We visited the pre-opening shopping party for a first look and a little deal hunting.
Rack took over the huge space of the former Bed, Bath & Beyond. Women’s clothing takes up the majority of the store, but there’s plenty for men + children. There’s a solid selection of beauty products and accessories, and the shoe section seemed endless.
Editor Connor here. I brought my fashionista mom along for the pre-opening, and we left with one big tip: Expect long lines.
Photos by LALtoday
If you’ve never visited a Nordstrom Rack, here’s what to expect:
Marked-down prices on all items
Plenty of free parking — the entrance is right by a parking lot on the south side of Lakeside Village
Designer brands like Free People, Lilly Pulitzer, Eileen Fisher, Valentino, and Gucci
The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is starting the “Restore the Core” initiative, in which it will update the plans for its Downtown, Midtown, and Dixieland districts. Meet with CRA officials and learn more about the initiative at an open house on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the RP Funding Center.
Development
Rack isn’t the only new addition coming to Lakeside Village. City commissioners approved an AC Hotel by Marriott near the roundabout by the Home2 Suites. Plans call for six stories and 130 rooms, but timelines are yet to be announced. (LkldNow)
Travel
Holiday travel, here we come. Starting in December, Avelo will add one more weekly flight on two routes. Travel to Grand Rapids, MI on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, or catch a flight to Rochester, NY on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Biz
Concord Coffee is planning its second expansion, with plans to open a downtown Winter Haven location this winter. You don’t have to wait until then to try a cup. Find its original cafe + roastery in Dixieland — we recommend a hot carrot cake tea latte.
Edu
What do you think about Polk County Public Schools? Share your thoughts in a new, anonymous survey to help PCPS improve its services. It’s open to all students, employees, families, and community members.
Try This
Sometimes, you just need a good yell. Let it all out at “Scream Into The Void: A Collective Release at Swan Brewing” on Saturday, Nov. 22. Shop from local vendors and enjoy live music before things get loud during the cathartic group scream by Lake Wire at 9:15 p.m.
Community
Join Stride for Life on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 5-7 p.m. at Lakeside Village for a fun, community walk raising awareness about stroke prevention, recovery, and support. Enjoy health screenings, info tables, and interactive activities for all ages. Learn more.*
This doctor-recommended vibrator has been shown in independent studies to help heighten arousal and support natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 30% today.*
Older Adults
Are you taking advantage of all the savings offered to adults aged 50+? Check the list to help support your continued saving and wealth building.*
Category
Civic
Mind if we borrow $10?
JCPenney donated the building to the city in 1994, so Lakeland isn’t selling it at a loss. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library
In what could be considered the real estate deal of the century, Publix Super Markets will purchase the former JCPenney building and the Orange Street Garage from the City of Lakeland for just $10 each. Just think what else you could buy with a Hamilton (and consider if it compares to a whole building):
A chicken pot pie from Born & Bread
One day of parking at LAL airport
Tickets to tomorrow night’s double feature at the Polk Theatre
A Lakeland Manhattan cocktail during happy hour at the Terrace Grille
How did Publix get such a sweet deal on these properties? City officials say the option to purchase them for $10 was included in Publix’s original lease agreement in 1995 as a way to draw the biz to a barren downtown.
After paying for taxes and maintenance for the last 30 years, Publix is now ready to make it official, buying the building for the future technology campus that will occupy four downtown buildings.
The Buy
Save up to 70% on premier fall experiences with Groupon. New deals appear every day so you can discover your next “why-didn’t-we-do-this-sooner” at the click of a button.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
If you’re intrigued by the story behind Publix’s big buy, you’ll love tonight’s lecture at the Kathleen Area Historic Society. Head to Heritage Park at 6:30 p.m. to learn about “The History of Downtown Lakeland Redevelopment, 1950-2000" from “Mr. Downtown” himself, Jim Edwards.
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