The retail industry in downtown Baltimore City got yet another shot in the arm with the opening of bluemercury, an upscale apothecary and spa, at The Gallery, 200 E. Pratt St.
“We have always loved Baltimore, and we have a lot of clients in Baltimore who come into our Georgetown [Washington, D.C.] location to shop,” bluemercury Founder and Chief Executive Marla Malcolm said. “The property owner, General Growth Properties, came to us, and we think they are doing a great job with their vision.”
The company has 15 locations nationwide, with the Baltimore site its first in Maryland. Another location is planned for Bethesda, Malcolm said.
She declined to disclose how much money bluemercury invested in the hardwood floors, oriental rugs and white marble decor for its Baltimore store.
Malcolm said that after the Baltimore location is open for a while, the company may expand into the surrounding suburbs.
“We listen to our customers,” Malcolm said. “And then we expand.”
The apothecary and spa, which offers more than 50 brands of cosmetic and skin care products as well as spa treatments, is the latest move in several made recently at The Gallery and Harborplace, general manager Christopher Schardt Sr. said.
“With the opening of bluemercury and the renovations and relocations of some of our existing merchants, Harborplace and The Gallery are thrilled to offer quality retail excellence, variety and convenience to the public ? especially while we gear up for the holiday season,” Schardt said in an announcement.
Bath & Body Works reopened recently in its larger space on the third floor in The Gallery, while the Discovery Channel Store opened on the first floor of the Light Street Pavilion in Harborplace.
Men?s clothing retailer Johnston & Murphy moved to the first floor of The Gallery, and Banana Republic opened on the second floor of the downtown shopping plaza. Eatery New York Deli moved into larger digs in the Light Street Food Court of Harborplace.
