Shine On

James Avery Jewelry bedazzles San Antonio with interactive new store

James Avery's new store will feature "innovations."

James Avery Artisan Jewelers can add another jewel to its crown. On November 6, the Texas-based family jeweler announced the opening of its largest store at Huebner Oaks later this month.

Billed as the brand's second "discovery center and store," the new concept offers an "enhanced" shopping experience for customers, says a news release. Shoppers will be dazzled with enhanced digital displays and innovative ways to interact with the jewelry, and more. (What the means beyond, you know, trying on the jewelry remains unclear.)

This is the brand's second discovery center/store hybrid; James Avery opened its first concept shop in the Houston suburb of Pasadena in October.

"Our customers enjoy spending time in our retail stores and our discovery center and stores are another way we are enhancing their shopping experience," said Lindsey Avery Tognietti, James Avery's manager of strategic initiatives, in a release.

"Customers responded with excitement to this concept in Pasadena when we opened the first [one] last month, and we think San Antonio will love this Huebner Oaks store just as much," she continued.

But, as the saying goes, when one bracelet clasp opens, another snaps close, and this does mean the shutter of the company's Stone Oak location at 22610 US-281, which closes on November 15.

Though the new Huebner Oaks store at 11745 NW IH 10, Ste. 300 officially opens on November 16, James Avery isn't hosting an official grand opening party until December 1. In the meantime, customers can visit the store November 16 through the grand opening party to enter to win gift cards and snag a free prize.

cute on wheels

Hello Kitty Cafe makes stop in San Antonio on 50th anniversary tour

Photo courtesy of Sanrio

The merch and cafe truck has a new lineup of 50th anniversary treats and collectibles.

Hello, San Antonio! A famous kitty and her friends have drawn crowds when visiting in the Hello Kitty Cafe truck, and they're about to be back again. The truck will be at North Star Mall on Saturday, October 26, with snacks and merch for Sanrio lovers of all ages.

This tour celebrates the franchise's 50th anniversary items, and a handful have the number 50 proudly emblazoned, whether it's something to wear or something to eat. The truck stopped by in April, and it's back again on the same tour.

New items for this tour include an Iridescent tote bag (good for festivals and concerts); a new keychain, pin, and patches; a three-piece cookie set with pastel designs in royal icing; and a "giant" cookie depicting Chef Kitty. The centerpiece of the new items is a T-shirt featuring Chef Kitty, a donut, and a teacup, all seemingly made out of glass and containing a pink punch or tea.

Hello Kitty 50th anniversary merch The 50th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Some of the merch from past visits will be available, including a bright pink tote bag with rainbow straps and desserts decorating the front, an assortment of Hello Kitty baked goods, and a transparent coffee mug with sprinkles in the handle and different desserts printed on the glass body.

Visitors can also order a box of rainbow macarons with sugar bows, and a branded box of simple Madeleines. Folks who want to diversify after the Stanley craze can also pick up a colorful stainless steel thermal bottle.

Hello Kitty sprinkle mug This mug would go great with hot chocolate.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Anyone who wants to play with Hello Kitty and her friends on Saturday should arrive early, as lines in the past have been very long. Some items may sell out. The truck will be at the parking lot on the corner of the 410 access road and McCullough from 10 am to 7 pm. Note that the Instagram account lists October dates (which match a recent press release), while the tour site starts its list in November.

This article was originally published April 10, 2024, and has been updated October 25 to reflect the truck's new dates.

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