2008 brought big, new retailers to Vegas

Vegas Royalty is just one of the new boutiques to open in 2008 at the Miracle Miles Shops.

It started when the Shoppes at the Palazzo opened last January and continued on through 2008 as dozens of stores opened across Las Vegas at the region’s largest shopping centers. Some, such as Barneys New York, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch and Michael Kors made a first dabble in Sin City, while others expanded their locales to stretch across the Strip.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the biggest malls in Vegas.

The Shoppes at the Palazzo had to be the biggest opening of the year, bringing stores from Barneys New York to Guerlain to the Vegas market in January. Designers such as Catherine Malandrino, Piazza Sempione, MaxMara, Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin and Michael Kors opened their first Las Vegas locations. Newcomers such as Annie Creamcheese, a hip vintage boutique, Poleci with its fashion-forward women’s wear and Edidi New York with its bejeweled handbags all landed at the new shopping destination.

Just Cavalli at the Forum Shops at Caesars completely remodeled its only store in Las Vegas. Balenciaga, the French fashion designer, opened its first store here. Boss Hugo Boss brought in a flagship store with the addition of a women’s line. And Shanghai Tang and Calvin Klein also opened their first store in the city at the Forum Shops.

BCBG Max Azria, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Cartier and MAC Cosmetics all expanded their reach by opening new locations at the Forum Shops, while Tiffany & Co. remodeled its largest store to include a mezzanine and exclusive product viewing accommodations.

At the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort, Guess Accessory opened its first Las Vegas location with footwear, jewelry, luggage, handbags, watches, eyewear and small leather goods. Volcom, an athletic-driven, fashion-forward brand of young men's and women's clothing, accessories and related products, opened, along with Vegas Royalty, a locally owned fashion forward men’s and women’s apparel retailer, are now open. Tous fine jewelry and Ultra Diamonds both set up shop at the Miracle Mile as well.

Over at Fashion Show mall, European retailer Sandwich, which carries women’s fashions and accessories, brought its first store to the United States. Jewelry designer Thomas Sabo brought his signature collection of silver to the mall. Bare Escentuals, the maker of mineral makeups, opened its first free-standing location in Vegas. Michael Kors and Ed Hardy brought their men’s and women’s collections to Fashion Show mall. And Russian designer Kira Plastinina opened her first boutique, featuring clothing and accessories for young women.

At the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Paige Premium Denim brought its jeans to its first Las Vegas boutique. And Arche, an upscale women’s shoes and boots, sandals, handbags, purses and accessories, brought its French leather goods.

And Town Square, which opened in November 2007, added a huge list of retailers to its location. Among the retail highlights are Ann Taylor, including a Loft location, Juicy Couture, LeSportsac, A?X Armani Exchange, J.Crew, Blend Boutique, Old Navy and Swarovski.

And 2009 only promises more shopping in Las Vegas with the opening of Tivoli Village at Queensridge. So far, Belle Gray, BCBG Max Azria, AG Jeans and Ritual Spa have signed leases.