February 29, 2016

Oak Hall to Expand Women’s Dept.


By Linda A. Moore
– The Commercial Appeal –

Oak Hall will be growing its women’s department with a 2,300 square foot expansion, adding about 20 percent to the store at the Regalia shopping center.

The new space – which will bring Oak Hall to 20,600 square feet – is in response to female customers who wanted more.

“So many women have come to us and said we wish you had more clothes for us,” said Bill Levy, president of the family owned retailer.

The ladies department comprises about 15 percent of Oak Hall’s business, Levy said. The expansion will give them the opportunity to grow the ladies’ business from 25 percent to 30 percent of the total.

“Oak Hall has been a Mid-South institution for nearly 145 years and we’re pleased their business has been so strong they’re expanding,” said Henry Morgan, president of Boyle Investment Co., the owner, developer and manager of the Regalia center.

“When Oak Hall moved to Regalia in 1996, it was the beginning of a great relationship between our companies,” Morgan said. “It is the primary anchor tenant there, so we’re delighted this prestigious, locally owned shop has chosen to expand in that location.”

It’s unclear how much the expansion will cost, but the project is expected to begin Nov. 21.

One challenge is the firewall and stairwell, which will have to be moved.

They’ll work on the new area and expect to break through the wall in mid-January, after the holiday shopping season.

In addition to the expansion, there will be updates and modifications to the existing sales floor, including flooring, fixtures and lighting.

Jerry Priester and Associates is the contractor for the project. Interior design is being developed by Ed Watanabeand Associates.

Founded in 1859, Oak Hall is the oldest family-owned business in Memphis.