Students looking for some new clothes to update their fall wardrobe but are tired of the same stores, have no fear because on Tuesday a new store will be making its way to the Millcreek Mall.
Anyone who visited the mall recently has probably seen the boarded up store named Tilly’s, located between Hot Topic and Lane Bryant and across from Wet Seal, Francesca’s Collections and Yankee Candle.
The store will be more than 7,000 square feet and the first in Western Pennsylvania, according to a press release issued by the Millcreek Mall.
Tilly’s opened its doors for the first time in Southern California in 1982.
The franchise has now grown to 185 stores in 35 states, according to the store’s website. It has the largest selection of brands, 200 and counting, from Volcom, Hurley, Billabong, Vans, Converse and Nike.
Recently, the store began stocking Beats by Dre, BLVD – an apparel line by Soujaboy – and Last Kings, which was founded by hip-hop artist TYGA.
Kelly Fitz, district manager of Tilly’s, stated the mantra of what all Tilly’s stores have to offer to customers.
“Tilly’s offers one of the largest assortments of brands and merchandise from the top players in the surf, skate, motocross and lifestyle apparel industries,” Fitz said. “It’s a pretty cool experience.”
The store officially opens Tuesday during regular mall hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
But the grand opening, a sort of “welcome to the Millcreek Mall,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Saturday, Sept. 21.
While there is no student discount, there are plenty of ways to save when shopping at Tilly’s. Currently, backpacks are $29.99 and up, cardigans and wraps are $19.99 and up, and RVCA lightweight hoodies are $34.99 and up. There is also a sale for all RSQ pants; both men’s and women’s pants, which are originally $39.99 each, are two for $60. Prefer online shopping? There is free shipping on all orders more than $30.
Sabrina Trissel, store manager of Tilly’s in Erie, echoes the idea that visiting the store is much more than simple shopping.
“Tilly’s values the customer experience,” Trissel said. “It’s not just about shopping. It’s about making a connection and building relationships with venders and customers.”
When visiting Tilly’s, you’re sure to see a friendly Gannon University face. Ted Hallowell, a junior communications arts major and a Tilly’s employee, encourages Gannon students to come and stop by.
“If you’re a fan of PacSun, Zumiez and Journeys, imagine a store with everything combined into one,” Hallowell said. “That’s Tilly’s.”
SAMMIE JANIK
