[BREAKING NEWS] Ralph Lauren to Make Graceful Exit From Lenox Square

Ralph Lauren will close its two level store at Lenox Square in Buckhead at the close of business on Saturday, January 27.  The store, which opened in the Luxury Wing of Lenox Square in 2007, was the relocation of the Polo Ralph Lauren store which had for years operated from its space on the main mall corridor.  Today, Vineyard Vines and Ted Baker occupy the former Ralph Lauren space. 

The current Ralph Lauren store is approximately 13,000  square  feet, significantly larger than its former space approximately 8,000 square foot space.  The current space features an impressive wrapping staircase surrounded by classy framed photos, evoking an "old mansion" feel. 

All in-stock merchandise (RRL, Ralph Lauren, Purple Label, books, bedding, glassware, etc.) is being offered at 50% off the lowest marked price with the exception of one Purple Label tuxedo that is reportedly excluded from the sale.  

The wrapping staircase in Ralph Lauren 

Ralph Lauren has struggled in recent years to keep up with the seemingly endless changes in the tastes and preferences of both its established customers and the fickle millennial shopper.  

Plentiful product from many Ralph Lauren lines at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls as well as Macy's, Bloomingdale's and other off-price retailers and department stores has also hurt the brand's image in recent years.

After yet another disappointing quarter, and in an effort to rein in expenses, Ralph Lauren closed its Fifth Avenue flagship in New York this past April.  

Elsewhere in Georgia, Ralph Lauren operates Factory Stores at North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock, Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove, and Calhoun Outlet Marketplace (fka Calhoun Premium Outlets) in Calhoun.  Sources say the outlet stores are all remaining open for now. 

Ralph Lauren also owns the Club Monaco retail brand which operates one location in Georgia, also at Lenox Square, a couple of doors down from the original Ralph Lauren space.  

Club Monaco has been a bright spot for the company and had its Tay velvet wrap dress worn by Meghan Markle as she attended her first royal Christmas last month. (It has since sold out.)  Club Monaco did abandon its plans for a new flagship store at Westside Provisions District last year, but some of its success may be from its limited store count and  resulting scarcity of product.  

Although there has been no formal announcement either of the Ralph Lauren store's closure or what may replace it, sources indicate that Fendi is eyeing the store's 5,932 square foot main level space for an expansion and relocation of their existing 2,073 square foot main mall store.  The second floor portion of the Ralph Lauren store (7,251 square feet) is reportedly being eyed by neighbor ZARA, already over 10,000 square feet, for an expansion as well.   

Ralph Lauren's second floor space adjacent to ZARA

Are you surprised that Ralph Lauren is closing their store at Lenox Square?  When was the last time you purchased something at the Ralph Lauren store at Lenox Square?  What would you like to see open in place of the Ralph Lauren store at Lenox Square?

Please share your thoughts below. 

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