Proving that retail is most certainly not dead during the pandemic, McWhinney, Sage Hospitality and Grand American, Inc., recently welcomed some exciting new retailers at Dairy Block — LoDo’s beloved micro-district that’s home to eclectic retailers featuring local boutiques & top national brands — and will host a holiday market in the Alley beginning Nov 27.
The latest addition will be renowned Australian wedding dress brand Grace Loves Lace – the designers behind ‘the world’s most pinned wedding dress’ – will open its first Colorado showroom at the LoDo micro-district on Thursday, Nov. 19. Denver joins just six other major U.S. cities – including Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and New York – to offer brides access to the Grace Loves Lace collection.
Located in one of Dairy Block’s historic buildings at 1821 Blake St., the downtown Denver showroom for Grace Loves Lace will feature nearly 2,000 square feet of warm & relaxed space with four private bridal suites. Brides can now make an appointment for a tailored one-on-one consultation to experience the Grace Loves Lace collection.
“Dairy Block is excited to welcome Grace Loves Lace to the Rocky Mountain region. Being one of the last retail storefronts to come to Blake Street, this new bridal showroom will fit perfectly with Dairy Block’s mix of handcrafted and globally conscious local and national brands,” said Dairy Block General Manager Don Cloutier. “Dairy Block is thrilled to continue to set the tone in transitioning LoDo into the shopping destination it deserves to be.”
Four New Retailers at FREE MARKET
Four popular Denver retailers also recently opened new stores inside FREE MARKET, the marketplace that connects people, objects and ideas at the Dairy Block.
Created by Raan Parton and Lindsay Parton, FREE MARKET is an ever-evolving collective that markets curated products, services and experiences by combining incubator strategy with artistic understanding and infrastructure strength.
The four Mile High retailers now open inside FREE Market include:
- Topo Designs – featuring versatile & beautiful products for traveling around town or to the trail, including backpacks, bags & apparel
- Winter Session – specializing in functional, high quality, unisex canvas and leather carry goods
- Pickletown Flower Co. – a floral studio offering a gorgeous selection of fresh and dried products along with an extensive schedule of floral arranging events
- The Conscious Merchant – a carefully curated collection of sustainable and non-toxic items and refillable products
FREE MARKET is also hosting “Greater Than,” a pop-up by Denver conceptual neon artist Scott Young featuring motorcycle-inspired menswear and art.
BRUTØ – the FREE MARKET restaurant concept created by Colorado Chef Kelly Whitaker – is now once again open for lunch & dinner every Wednesday – Saturday. BRUTØ is offering a socially distanced dining experience with a menu highlighting global flavors and locally grown grain & corn executed by new Chef de Cuisine Michael Diaz De Leon.
Other retail concepts currently open at FREE MARKET include skin, body & hair care by Aesop, coastal California retail & art by Alchemy Works, timeless fashion by the Vintage Label and makeup & skin care by Beautycounter. Rosemont Barber & Supply at FREE MARKET offers a full menu of men’s grooming services and products.
Blue Ruby Expands with 2nd Retail Location at Dairy Block
Last but not least, Blue Ruby has opened a second retail location at Dairy Block featuring an expanded clothing boutique alongside the Cat Club Denver event space and Biker Bar juice concept. The new location will feature nearly 5,000 square feet of space located at 1855 Blake Street.
Blue Ruby was designed to take the stress out of the shopping experience, with merchandise including denim, jackets, button downs, t-shirts, jewelry, shoes, handbags, yogawear, grooming products and more. Popular product lines include locally made pieces by Aspen True and Arae, along with unique brands like Bevvy Flog and Etienne Marcel.
“We are so excited to expand our presence in LoDo, while launching the Cat Club, the first concept of its kind, elevating your get-together into a private night club with a catwalk for runway shows, which is super fun for a girls’ night out, birthday or bachelorette parties,” said Blue Ruby owner Julie Watson. “I wanted to create a space where you can be silly and laugh with your friends. The Biker Bar celebrates Denver’s active bike & fitness culture with a wide variety of healthy, yet delicious juice options.”
Dairy Block will be in compliance with the State of Colorado social distancing & event guidelines. Masks are required at all times except when eating or drinking.
European Après Ski Themed Holiday Market
Inspired by a European ski village, the AF Holiday Market at Dairy Block will feature 12 vendors offering a wide variety of clothing, home goods, sports gear and more, representing both local Colorado businesses and top national retailers, along with food and drink specials.
Colorado vendors include coffee by Kicco Koffie, dog treats & apparel by Chews Happiness, vegan candles by Keystone Inspired, handbags & jewelry from Fleetful Collective, handcrafted chips by Denver Chip Co., shoes by Opie Way and more.
Free & open to everyone, the AF Holiday Market at Dairy Block will be held in the Alley on the following weekends:
- November 27th – 29th, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- December 4th – 6th, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- December 11th – 13th, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- December 18th – 20th, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, pre-registration is required to limit the number of people in the Alley and signage will be place throughout the Holiday Market to ensure proper flow of traffic and social distancing. To sign up, please visit https://shopaf.co/pages/apres-holiday-market-denver.
