Dillard's to host Fashion Gala ahead of Amarillo expansion's grand opening in November
Dillard’s, Inc. is inviting the Amarillo community to celebrate its 40th anniversary and grand opening of its new location in the Westgate Mall, with several events including a fashion gala later this fall. The organization has teamed up with High Plains Food Bank (HPFB) to present a Grand Opening Fashion Gala on the eve of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Guests of Dillard’s and HPFB will be treated to a high-energy, exclusive fashion show featuring Dillard’s latest holiday looks, a private shopping experience, a swag bag, music, dining and more. Admission is available with the purchase of a $50 redeemable gift card; with each card purchased, a percent of the proceeds will benefit the HPFB. The gift card tickets can now be purchased in person at the customer service desk located on the second floor of the current women Dillard's location.
"Dillard's will be celebrating 40 years in Amarillo and so will High Plains Food Bank, so we partnered together to host this charity fashion gala to showcase many of the new brands and services that we will offer in this location, as well as give back to the community by having a percent of the proceeds go towards the food bank," said Craig Seiter, Dillard's Westgate Mall store manager.
"When we sell all 400 of the redeemable gift cards for the gala, that will provide 28,000 meals for the HPFB, which is supercool, and our overall goal is to provide over 140,000 meals during this 30-hour event in sales to benefit the food bank as well," Seiter said.
With the Grand Opening Celebration, the fashion store will continue to serve Amarillo customers from its dual anchor format at Westgate Mall, presenting its latest concepts in store design and technology in the beautiful, new, completely remodeled former Sears location. With the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony planned for Thursday, Nov. 10, the store will be open and ready in time for limitless holiday shopping excitement for Amarillo area customers.
"During the gala, we will also have Mrs. Texas and Mrs. Texas Outstanding Teen there that will be hosting an all-encompassing fashion show for the season. There will be opportunities to win prizes, giveaways in all departments. ... It will be catered by 'the local wedge,' there will be a DJ, a lot of fun and very exclusive event," said Melissa Adair, communications & special events director for Dillard's Inc.
"It's a great time for an event like this because the holidays are just around the corner. People are already Christmas shopping and beginning earlier this year, so what a great time to begin your Christmas shopping and support a local nonprofit like the High Plains Food Bank," Seiter said.
The new store at Westgate Mall will be the new home of the cosmetics, ladies’ apparel, accessories, lingerie, juniors’ and children’s apparel areas, as well as ladies’ and children’s footwear. The men’s store and home store will remain in their current locations.
"My favorite thing about this new location is that both levels will be on the same floor, and the open concept of this floor, you can stand anywhere in it and see anything at a distance. We are already adding 40 new brands to this store," Seiter said.
Having opened its Westgate Mall store in October of 1982, Dillard’s is also celebrating 40 years of serving Amarillo. In addition to the the Grand Opening Celebration, Dillard's will host a giveaway on opening day. The first 200 individuals will receive a swag bag containing a mystery gift card, adding up to more than $5,000 in giveaways. The new location will also host a fundraiser for Veterans Resource Services on opening day, benefiting veteran spouses.
To stay up to date, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Amarillodillards .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Dillard's Fashion Gala celebrates opening at Amarillo Westgate Mall
