Gottschalks Opens New Store at River Park: Gottschalks River Park Lifestyle Center

My girlfriends and I visited the new store yesterday. We found the new shopping mecca in North Fresno. The store was full with teens who were looking for back to school bargains. Named G to appeal to teen shoppers, the store appears to focus on high-end, upscale merchandise. As you get inside, you will see the cosmetics, fragrances, accessories and shoes. Most of the clothes are on the second floor. The store tends to carry petite clothing. There's nothing size 3X or for tall people. I heard a consumer complaining of the price on some of these items.

My friends and I quickly checked the fragrance section. We tried the Celine Dion's perfume and cream. I wanted to purchase Beautiful. The salesperson was too aggressive. She wanted to sell me a whole bag full of goodies. I wanted only one. Before going to the store, I read in the local papers that most of the consumers don't watch the price and that's the essence of lifestyle shopping. I ended up buying two earrings that I wanted. My husband came to join me. He wanted to check the store out too. He wanted to find something to buy. Since he is a tall guy, he could not find anything to fit his frame. Afterwards, we headed out to have dinner and watch a movie nearby.

Here's a list of stores you will find at River Park.

According to shopriverpark, River park is divided into 4 sections.

The Shops at River Park is an entertainment oriented outdoor shopping center anchored by the Edwards 21 Stadium Theatre. The focal point of the center is a lushly landscaped center courtyard with two fountains and numerous places to sit and relax, while enjoying the great Fresno climate. There are 23 stores and 16 eating establishments in the center. Some of the stores and restaurants located in The Shops at River Park are Borders Books & Music, Cost Plus World Market, Kinko's, Vivo, Wavelengths, Fuzio, World Sports Café, Starbucks, Uncle Harry's Bagels, Macaroni Grill and Dai Bai Dang

The Marketplace at River Park

The Marketplace at River Park, located adjacent to The Shops at River Park, is made up of 14 stores including Target, Best Buy, Comp USA, JCPenney Home Store, Linens N Things, Marshals, Office Max, Michaels Arts & Crafts, Barean Christian Store, Old Navy, Payless Shoe Source, Sports Authority and Chevy's Fresh Mex Restaurant.

River Park Crossing

River Park Crossing, conveniently located on Blackstone Avenue across from The Marketplace at River Park is anchored by Sportmart, Ross, Bed Bath & Beyond and Pier One Imports. This is the perfect place to find something for everyone, including yourself.

River Park Plaza

The newest addition to River Park is River Park Plaza. Krispy Kreme Donuts, In N Out Burger (both with convenient drive thru's) and Pacific Service Credit Union call River Park Plaza home. Watch for future announcements about additional tenants in this center located at the corner of Blackstone Avenue and Nees Avenue.

All four centers offer ample shopping and eating opportunities that suit the needs for all ages and preferences. Please, take a look around and find your new favorite shop or eatery.

* ACCESSORIES
* Charms from the Boot
* Jewelry Box
* Personalized It
* Shade Gallery

* CLOTHING
* Big Dogs
* Marshalls
* Old Navy
* Payless Shoe Source
* Ross
* SheShe
* Wavelengths

* ELECTRONIC
* Best Buy
* Comp USA

* ENTERTAINMENT
* Edwards Theaters
* Powerstation
* HOME
* Aaron Brothers
* Bed Bath & Beyond
* Cost Plus World Market
* Country Clutter
* Fashion Furniture
* JCPenney Home Store
* Linens 'N Things
* Pier 1 Imports
* Thomasville Home Furnishings
* Vernava's Fine Collectibles & Gifts
* Vivo
* Warner Co. Boutique

* SPORTING GOODS
* Sportmart
* Sports Authority



* RESTAURANTS
* Braun's Ice Cream
* Broilers
* Carl's Jr.
* Chevy's Fresh Mex
* Chuck E Cheese's
* Dai Bai Dang
* Fuzio
* Hooters
* In-N-Out Burger
* Jamba Juice
* Johnny Rockets
* Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
* Logans Steak House
* Macaroni Grill
* Me-N-Eds Slices
* Mimi's Café
* Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
* Rubio's Baja Grill
* Starbucks
* Uncle Harry's Bagels
* Wings
* World Sports Café
* Yoshino's Sushi House

* SERVICES
* Cruise Holidays
* Kinko's
* Planet Hair

* SPECIALTIES
* Berean Christian Stores
* Borders Books
* Color Me Mine
* General Nutrition Corporation
* Michaels Arts & Crafts
* Office Max
* Parrot Cellular/ Cingular Wireless
* Target

Based on this press release, Gottschalks has a lot of objectives for this store.
"Gottschalks River Park will feature updated fashions in women's and
men's apparel, as well as offer trend focus shops in juniors and young men's
and an enhanced children's department all of which will cater to the younger
family demographic in the Northern Fresno marketplace. The Company expects to
feature a variety of specially designed shops in the store for many of
Gottschalks' most significant vendors.
"We are extremely pleased to have signed an agreement with River Park
Properties VII to open a new Gottschalks store in the very successful Shops at
River Park lifestyle center," said Mr. Jim Famalette, president and chief
executive officer of Gottschalks. "The Gottschalks River Park store is being
developed to focus on the rapidly growing consumer base in northern Fresno."

The new store replaces the one that was located at Fig Garden Village. The branch that is at the Fashion Fair Mall still carries good merchandise. I like shopping there.

What do we know about Gottschalk?

Gottschalks is a regional department store chain, currently operating 63
department stores and 10 specialty apparel stores in six western states,
including California (39), Washington (12), Alaska (6), Oregon (2), Nevada (2)
and Idaho (2). Gottschalks offers better to moderate brand-name fashion
apparel, cosmetics, shoes, accessories and home merchandise. Gottschalks
offers corporate information and selected merchandise on its website located
at http://www.gottschalks.com