Moving In and Out in Aspen
Change is nothing new for ski resort communities, especially when it comes to it’s retail outlets. This week, Aspen saw 4 new stores open for the ski season and a well-known hotel come on the market for sale.
Gap and Gorsuch have new competition in the neighborhood in downtown Aspen. J. Crew and Moncler have opened their doors, offering clothing for the fashionable outdoors person and the sophisticated, yet fun, shopper. This is the first Moncler to open in the US, and it will give new meaning to “snow-chic” for Aspen. J. Crew’s location will be unlike the usual retail outlets since it will add the flair only Aspen can; this is J Crew’s Mountain store and the clothing will reflect its mountain-town location.
Two new coffee shops have opened their doors, hoping to entice the caffeine-deprived in alternative ways. Victoria’s Espresso and Wine Bar, located in the former Ben & Jerry’s locale, started handing out free coffee last week to lure locals and tourists alike into the shop. Victoria Hoffman, the owner, will offer a variety of artisan grounds and small-production Colorado wines starting in price at $5 and up.
On the flip side, the St. Regis Aspen is available for purchase. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, the management/operator, will still be in charge of the day-to-day operations for another 20 years potentially, but the building is available for purchase. The property has not been listed yet, so the price has not be declared.
