West Elm, the national furniture retailer based in Brooklyn, New York, is opening its first Michigan store in Birmingham in the fall of 2014.
At the same time, the nearly 12-year-old company that's owned by Williams Sonoma and is a sister to Pottery Barn will open its first European store in London.
West Elm's move to a prominent 10,000-square-foot spot on Maple in Birmingham is another score for the city's
Principal Shopping District and its recruiters who are looking for the sweet spot mix of big nationals and small business to fill out downtown.
The new store will replace the space that years ago was Harmony House, then the men's store, Structure, and most recently, upscale women's boutique Lexi Drew.
West Elm, known for modern and natural furnishings and home decor at mid-line price points, has about 60 stores in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
West Elm's move into Birmingham would bring the downtown's retail occupancy to 98 percent, says John Heiney, executive director of the Principal Shopping District.
Source: Principal Shopping District
Writer: Kim North Shine
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