Shopping sensation

EAST COUNTY — Mall officials aim to surprise and delight as they expect thousands of patrons heading to The Mall at University Town Center Thursday for the 880,000-square-foot mall’s grand opening celebration.

Entrances to the mall will open at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a 9:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony in the mall’s grand court. The mall officially will open at 10 a.m.

General Manager Octavio Ortiz said live entertainment will be scattered throughout the mall on opening day and throughout the weekend.

“It could be music, a quartet,” Ortiz said. “Some of them will have a unique flair to the Sarasota market. We want it to be a surprise and delight for everybody once they come out.”

MALL HOURS
Ribbon-cutting ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, mall’s grand court.

Regular mall hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Most restaurants have extended hours.

GRAND OPENING DEALS
Customer Service — receive a free UTC wristlet bag with a $350 purchase anytime between Oct. 16 and Oct. 19. See customer service for details.

Robert Graham — opening day celebration starting at 10 a.m. Oct. 18. Refreshments served. Receive a gift with a purchase of $250 or more (while supplies last).

Forever 21 — grand opening celebration at 10 a.m. Oct. 18. The first 300 customers receive a free gift card valued between $10 to $210.

J.Jill — save 20% off entire purchase from Oct. 23 through Oct. 26.

Everything But Water — is selling an exclusive necklace benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national information and support organization. The lariat necklace with pink crystal detail retails for $38 with 25% of proceeds benefiting LBBC.

Chico’s — will donate $10 from the sale of every leopard-print scarf to Stand Up to Cancer through Oct. 31.

L’Occitane — save 10% off any $25 purchase Oct. 25 through Oct. 26 and from Nov. 1 through Nov. 2.
Zales — is holding is semi-annual bridal sale. Save up to 25% off select bridal jewelry.

Brio TusCan Grille — enjoy a complimentary appetizer, bruschetta or flatbread with the purchase of two entrees at lunch or dinner. Offer valid through Nov. 9.

Smoothie King — offers medium smoothies for $5 on Fridays.

Seasons 52 — offers $5 small plates and $8 signature cocktails and wines by the glass from 4 to 6:30 p.m Monday through Friday.

SUGGESTED ROUTES FOR ENTERING UTC