First, Wet Seal departed from Briarwood’s west hallway, then Love Culture. Now Charlotte Russe is the third trendy young women’s clothing store in a row to take on the space that once was home to Borders Express.
Manager Nicolette DuBuc says the store’s focus is on providing women in their teens and twenties the latest trends at affordable prices and better quality than their competitors. Though Charlotte Russe has been a national chain since the 90s, this is its first store in the Ann Arbor area.
The store’s layout and look are similar to those of its predecessors, with clothing sorted approximately by style and color, a clearance section in the back, and a selection of beauty products in front of the counter. “Bodysuits are super popular,” says DuBuc of their latest inventory. “That’s like the new-old thing. Anything nineties.”
Who is Charlotte Russe? Actually “we were named after a French dessert!” says DuBuc. According to a quick online search, a Charlotte Russe is a type of molded dessert “icebox cake” made with ladyfingers and Bavarian cream.
Charlotte Russe, Briarwood mall. (734) 761-8008. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. charlotterusse.com
