A statement which once would have received blank stares is now my reality.

This weekend I am really going shopping in Baton Rouge, not Houston– Baton Rouge.

Z Gallerie, one of my favorite furniture and accessories store which I discovered two years ago in West Palm Beach, and have been visiting their website ever since, opened in Baton Rouge’s new premier shopping “arena”, Perkins Rowe this weekend. (Writers Note: Perkins Rowe is still under construction as of 11/3/07 and only a few stores are open– J.Crew, Guess and Z. Gallerie)

Anthropologie, another one of my favorites (the upscale sibling to Urban Outfitters) who was once rumored to open in Canal Place before the storm also has a store at this location. (Writers Note: as of 11/3/07, this location is not open yet)

It used to seem like you would see a new store in New York, LA or Chicago– and once it popped up in Houston or Orlando, you knew if the retail operation continued to succeed- the possibility of a New Orleans location was on the horizon. Are we becoming second to fast growing areas like Baton Rouge????

I am also very excited to check out the “super store of outdoorsmen” Cabela’s which opened in Gonzales in October. I don’t hunt, fish or camp- but this store is said to be an entertainment destination featuring museum like animal displays and aquariums. I am intrigued.

So, Sephora, West Elm, H&M if you’re listening- Red Rover-Red Rover– please come over to NOLA!!