Kiehl's to open Nov. 21 in Mall at University Town Center

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Kiehl's Since 1851 is set to have its grand opening inside The Mall at University Town Center Nov. 21 with its apothecary-inspired boutique.

Kiehl's, which started as a pharmacy in New York's East Village, offers cosmetics focusing on the use of natural products.

The company is known for never advertising but is big on perks for customers. Kiehl's gives out product samples for customers to try before they buy and offers a 100 percent money back guarantee on purchases. It guarantees customers will have revitalized skin in 28 days.

The store also rewards customers for recycling as it uses minimal packaging. Customers can return empty Kiehl's containers in exchange for complimentary products and also sign up for a point-based loyalty program. Staff can also help customers create custom gift packages based on the recipient, theme, ingredients or price within the store.

The 821-square-foot store comes with an array of special features. Kiehl's officials said they modeled the store

closely after the original flagship New York store, blending antique apothecary fixtures with a modern look.

Customers will notice a few quirky features inside, too. There's "Mr. Bones," a teaching skeleton to explain the use of certain formulas. A Kiehl's custom-painted motorcycle will be on permanent display, too, as second-generation owner Aaron Morse was an avid collector and a World War II fighter pilot. Pop-art graphics and vintage photos adorn the walls and there is a six-foot consultation table for store staff to guide customers through their options.

"We are so excited to open this new store in Sarasota, especially in this beautiful new mall," Kiehl's president Chris Salgardo said in a news release.

"From design, to customer service, to the high-performing natural ingredients that are the basis of our products, we did everything possible to bring a modern version of our original store to Sarasota, and I look forward to introducing our new community to our skin care, our customer service, and our story," he added.

Customers who attend the grand opening from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 can be treated to 20-minute complimentary seated facials, refreshments and music. Facials should be booked by emailing kiehls066@kiehls-usa.com. The first 50 customers in line will receive mystery gift cards, with at least one worth $500.

The store is located on the upper level of the mall near the grand court.

Additional stores, Banana Moon Swimwear, Francesca's Collections, H&M, Invicta Watch, Talbots, Peter Elliot Blue and Motherhood Maternity and others, are among those expected to open this fall and winter along with Burger and Beer Joint. Arhaus Furniture, Charlotte Russe, Lucky Brand Jeans, Free People, Fit2Run and Tory Burch are among those expected to open in the spring.

This story was originally published October 28, 2014 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Kiehl's to open Nov. 21 in Mall at University Town Center."