Art of Shaving coming to Mall at University Town Center

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Men looking for a close shave will have a place for their face at the new Mall at University Town Center.

The Art of Shaving has applied for building permits for the 880,000-square-foot mall at University Parkway and Cattlemen Road in Sarasota County.

The Art of Shaving started in 1996 as a barber spa for men, featuring master barbers and an array of shaving and grooming products. The store is looking to have a 714-square-foot space, according to the application.

The founders of the store Myriam Zaoui and Eric Malka met in Miami before moving to New York, where they combined their business and cosmetics experience, mak

ing shave oil and gels before launching their business. Proctor & Gamble, which owns shaving giant Gillette, acquired the company in 2009.

Art of Shaving also has a location in International Plaza in Tampa, which is also managed by Taubman Centers, the company overseeing the Mall at UTC.

The Art of Shaving will join other cosmetic companies that have committed to the mall including Sephora and Organic Nail Bar, which applied for a 1,200-square-foot space last month.

The $315 million mall is expected to open Oct. 16.

Charles Schelle, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow him on Twitter @ImYourChuck.

This story was originally published April 8, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Art of Shaving coming to Mall at University Town Center ."