Bealls Inc. wants shoppers to think of its stores as more than just a place where grandma likes to shop.
So, the Bradenton-based retailer launched a new store concept this year, called Bunulu, which will sell activewear like yoga pants and bathing suits to moms and millennials. The first Bunulu store opened near Fort Myers last week. More are coming — stores will open in Jacksonville and Palm Beach by the end of the year. Another is expected to open later at Tampa’s International Plaza.
“Bunulu is for that outdoor, youth-minded person. We sell apparel and footwear but also accessories like Costa sunglasses, Garmins, GoPros and Yeti coolers,” said Lorna Nagler, president of Bealls Department Stores.
Bealls is the latest retailer to jump into the “athletic-leisure” game — an up-and-coming apparel trend made famous by retailers like Lululemon, known for charging $100 for yoga pants. But this new line of activewear isn’t just for the gym or the yoga studio. Women are wearing yoga pants and tank tops casually to drop their kids off at school, to go to Starbucks and the grocery store.
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