NEW ORLEANS – Polo Ralph Lauren has opened a new, 10,000-square-foot store in the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. It’s the second Polo Ralph Lauren in Louisiana and the first in the New Orleans metro area. Meanwhile, construction has begun on two restaurants flanking Spanish Plaza. Locally owned and operated Rizzuto’s Pizzeria and Copeland’s Wharfhouse will become new staples on the Riverfront later this year. Another restaurant, Rock N’ Roll Sushi, will be opening inside the mall within the next month.
The new Polo store took over a spot once occupied by Dressbarn, which announced plans to close all its physical stores even before the pandemic. The events of 2020, of course, may lead to more changes in the national mall landscape.
“There have been a few national bankruptcies, but it’s still too early to tell if these stores will reorganize or close,” said Riverwalk general manager Frank Quinn. “Fortunately, the Riverwalk has been able to replace recent closures with stronger brands like Kate Spade in the former Gymboree location and Ralph Lauren Polo in the former Dressbarn location. … Our downtown location offers more room for foot traffic. It helps to be within walking distance to world-class dining establishments, festival centers, and downtown office spaces.”
