UPDATE: Pier 1 Imports Opens for Business This Week at Bel Aire Plaza

UPDATE: Feb. 26, 2013 8:24 a.m.

Pier 1 Imports opened its new store for business at 3900 Bel Aire Plaza on Monday -- two weeks before the actual grand opening ceremonies.

Alex W. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pier 1 Imports, said the store is now open to the public. Pier 1 will hold a ceremonial vine cutting and grand opening event on Saturday, March 9.

“We are pleased to bring this new Pier 1 Imports to Napa and hope that our new location will inspire customers to discover the eclectic and fun merchandise that is unique to Pier 1 Imports,” Smith said.

“Pier 1 Imports offers merchandise that fits all decorating styles, as well as a broad array of affordable holiday décor, furniture and gifts," Smith said. "We look forward to sharing our unique shopping experience with the residents of Napa and the surrounding area."

ORIGINAL STORY: Feb. 21, 2013, 10:15 a.m.

Mark your calendars for two fun upcoming events at Bel Aire Plaza.

This Sunday, the north Napa shopping center will host the grand opening of Chico’s clothing store, according to Holland Tromblee, Main Street Properties property administrator.

in the north end of the plaza, will open its doors on March 9, Tromblee added.

The local radio station will be on hand to welcome customers to

In addition to music, there will be other surprises and festivities.  

Those attending opening fanfare at Pier I Imports, located in the former Copperfield’s Books, which moved next door to Whole Foods, have a chance to snatch one of the free door prizes offered to the first 200 customers.

With the addition of Pier 1 Imports and Chico’s, that leaves only two vacancies in the popular, dog-friendly shopping center.

Two stores sandwiched between Trader Joe’s and Chico’s have been remodeled and got a face lift, however, at this time no retail leases have been signed, Tromblee said.

Chico's was founded in 1983 as a small boutique selling Mexican folk art and cotton sweaters on Sanibel Island, Fla., and has evolved into more than 600 stores throughout the nation, according to chicos.com. Its closest store to Napa currently is in Sonoma.

Pier 1 Imports, which sells home decor and furnishings, has been in business for more than 50 years, according to pier1.com.

Napa Patch is now Napa Valley Patch! Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news | Got something to say? Start a blog and share your views with the valley.