Fabletics to Open First Brick-and-Mortar Stores at Five GGP Malls

General Growth Properties, Inc. GGP today announced Fabletics, the online activewear and accessories line co-founded by award-winning actress Kate Hudson, will open its first brick-and-mortar stores at five GGP locations this fall to build off the success of its e-commerce platform. Launched in 2013, Fabletics offers premium fashion-forward activewear for women, and recently launched a versatile and high-performance athletic wear line for men, FL2. "Adding Fabletics stores to our mall portfolio will give shoppers more access to an innovative activewear brand that is already making waves online," said Alan Barocas, Sr. EVP of Leasing, GGP. "More and more, we are seeing pure-play retailers like Fabletics see the value of adding physical locations to enhance sales and brand visibility. In fact, 90 percent of all U.S. retail sales occur at physical stores, and when a pure-play retailer opens a physical store, they see online sales increase three to five times in the same trade area." GGP Fabletics locations opening this fall include: Bridgewater Commons (Bridgewater, N.J.); Christiana Mall (Wilmington, Del.); Kenwood Towne Centre (Cincinnati); The Mall in Columbia (Columbia, Md.) and Saint Louis Galleria (St. Louis). The stores will feature an assortment of amenities to provide an elevated experience for shoppers, including mobile points of sale, free shipping from warehouses for out-of-stock items, in-store fitting appointments, buy online and pick-up in store (BOPUS), as well as a virtual shopping cart to help customers complete their shopping online after their in-store visit. "We are excited to be opening our first retail locations with GGP," said Gregg Throgmartin, president of retail, Fabletics. "As an e-commerce leader that is expanding into brick-and-mortar retail, it was key that we partner with an innovative shopping center owner that has introduced cutting-edge retail concepts to fashion-forward and stylish customers." Fabletics features fashion-infused activewear that takes you way beyond the workout, from performance-enhancing pieces to high-fashion pieces to ultra-cozy loungewear. Every style is designed for working out and going out. Fabletics locations will also feature FL2, which offers a range of elite workout gear and versatile lifestyle essentials for men to work out, play, and live in. With outfits starting at $49.95 for a top and a bottom, Fabletics and FL2 offer premium activewear without the high cost.