Glasses, organic clothes and BBQ ribs: Fenton announces new retailers coming to Cary

Cary’s mixed-use Fenton district continues to add new retailers and restaurants to its growing roster.

Fenton’s developers announced the addition of the eye-wear store Warby Parker, clothing brand Faherty, luxury beauty store Bluemercury and Doc B’s Restaurant to the line-up of the dozens of retailers, restaurants and a movie theater already open in the 92-acre mixed-use area.

Both Doc B’s and Faherty will open their first North Carolina locations at Fenton, joining other retailers like Nike, Athleta and Williams Sonoma and restaurants Superica and Colletta.

With six locations already in the state, Warby Parker will open a 1,612-square-foot store in Fenton. There is one location in Raleigh’s North Hills area and another in the Streets at Southpoint in Durham.

Bluemercury, also with a store in North Hills, will offer make-up and skin, hair and body products.

The additional stores will be open in early 2023, according to Paul Zarian, the managing director for Hines, an international real estate firm. Hines worked in partnership with South Carolina’s Columbia Development to bring businesses and develop Fenton as a new luxury venue in western Wake County.

“(Fenton) has been in the works since 2015,” Zarian told The News & Observer. “We were thrilled to open the project this spring.”

Located off Interstate 40 and Cary Towne Boulevard, Fenton officially opened 348,000 square feet, or 69 acres, of restaurants, stores and a movie theater in June.

So far, 15 retailers, eight restaurants and Paragon Theaters are open in the area. The development also includes 195,000-square-feet of offices; The Allison, a 357-unit apartment building; and a 175-room hotel that will open in Fenton soon. Leasing for the apartment complex began in August.

The remainder of the year will involve the transition “to operations,” Zarian said.

“The critical mass of restaurants (and) stores either have already opened or will continue to open over the next few months,” he said. “During that transition, we’ll learn a lot about how the property actually operates and incorporate the feedback we receive, streamline operations and make everything better for the future.”

The new tenants

Warby Parker: The shop offers affordable, high-quality eyeglasses, sunglasses and contacts, according to its website.

For every pair of glasses bought, a free pair is donated. The Fenton location will also offer eye exams.

Faherty: A casual apparel brand for men, women and children, Faherty will open a 2,115-square-foot store. The store will be Faherty’s first location in the state.

The brand uses environmentally friendly fibers like organic cotton, ethically sourced cashmere and recycled polyester, linen and hemp in their products. Faherty also uses non-toxic dyes and is working toward being completely plastic-free in their packaging.

Bluemercury: Bluemercury has over 180 stores across the United States. The store was acquired by Macy’s in 2015 and offers consultations on makeup application or skin concerns. Shoppers can also get free samples of just about anything in store, including fragrances.

Bluemercury will open its 1,991-square-foot store later this year.

Doc B’s Resturant + Bar: Fenton’s culinary community is growing with a variety of foods and drinks and Doc B’s Restaurant is another option. Also rooting itself in Fenton as the first location in the state, the restaurant will occupy 6,009 square feet, serving house-made dishes.

Some of the menu items include Danish barbecue ribs, chicken parmesan, wok bowl recipes, and dozens of burgers, salads and sandwiches. There is also a myriad of craft beers, wine and alcohol with signature cocktails.

Shop & dine

Over the next 10 years, residents and visitors can expect Fenton expand with more apartment buildings, restaurants, offices and retailers.

The 2,000,000-square-foot, $850 million project is slated to continue opening in phases. The existing business are considered phase one.

Currently, open stores include Arhaus, The Agency Bar & Social, Colletta, CRU Food & Wine Bar, Honeysuckle Gelato, Altar’d State, Arula, Southern Tide, Athleta, Lululemon, Nike, One Medical, Paragon Theaters, Williams Sonoma, Radiant Waxing, Sephora, Club Pilates, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Free People, M Sushi, The Gatorbug and Pottery Barn.

This week, Superica, Dram & Draught and Vestique are expected to open, and later this year, Archer Paper Goods, Madewell, Von Kekel Salon and M Test Kitchen will open.

The complex hosts “Thriving Thursday” events each week with different events including pilates, barre, Zumba, and other activities.