Jenni Kayne Opens First Connecticut Store, On Greenwich Avenue

GREENWICH, CT — Though located on the East Coast, Greenwich Avenue now has a touch of West Coast to offer residents with the opening of Jenni Kayne's first Connecticut location.

Jenni Kayne, which opened its newest store Thursday at 271 Greenwich Ave., is a California-based lifestyle brand that specializes in clothing and decor. The majority of its stores are located on the West Coast, although it also has two locations in New York City.

According to spokesperson Lauren Holmes, the company has been considering a store location in Connecticut for a while. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"Going into 2020, we knew we had a big opportunity to expand our store footprint by heading east," Holmes said. "Every time we add a new store location, we always look to see what geographical areas are driving large amounts of revenue and traffic to [our website]."

Holmes said Connecticut, and Greenwich in particular, had always been "significant contributors" to the company's online business.

"Since opening our two locations in New York City ... we've only continued to hear demand from customers eager for a Connecticut location," Holmes said. "Greenwich felt like a perfect fit."

The company ultimately zeroed in on Greenwich Avenue for its newest location due to the popular area's mix of retailers and restaurants.

"It's also exciting to see so many great brands opening stores within a block or two of our location that serve the same customer," Holmes said. "It feels like Greenwich Avenue is really becoming a great destination for contemporary retail."

Though the coronavirus crisis continues to present challenges for businesses across the state, and the number of positive cases of the virus continues to rise in town, Holmes said the company has been "incredibly fortunate" to have maintained strong business this year.

The company signed its lease for the Greenwich store prior to all nonessential businesses in town temporarily closing in the spring, Holmes said.

"We were originally slated to open in early summer," Holmes said, "but [the virus] had other plans. Needless to say, we are so excited to finally be open and serve our customers who have been anxiously awaiting our arrival."

In addition to requiring customers to wear a mask at all times in the store, encouraging social distancing and observing capacity requirements, the Greenwich store also offers special services to those not comfortable shopping in a normal setting, including private appointments outside store hours, curbside pickup, local delivery and virtual or phone appointments.

As the store works to ensure its first month of operation runs smoothly, it joins a roster of local businesses that have faced unprecedented challenges this year due to the virus.

According to Greenwich Chamber of Commerce President Marcia O'Kane, businesses along Greenwich Avenue have faced "tremendous challenges" this year because of the virus, and some have been able to persevere.

"It is to their credit that the retailers have adjusted so quickly to all of the safety parameters put on them during this year," O'Kane said. "Certain businesses have been reporting record sales successes, while many others have clearly been struggling."

As Greenwich enters the holiday season — a crucial time of year for businesses in town — O'Kane said many stores are offering holiday specials, extended hours and sales; and the chamber is encouraging residents to "focus on buying local" this year.

"Consider enjoying a safe holiday experience," O'Kane said, "by driving down the avenue to see the beautiful [holiday] lights as you pick up your holiday gifts."

To celebrate its opening, Jenni Kayne will host a number of events at the store, a majority of which are not centered on shopping.

"Our mission at Jenni Kayne is to help women live well," Holmes said, "and our events tend to center around learning a new skill, or just having a special experience you might not expect to have when you come shop."

Upcoming events, which Holmes noted will promote social distancing and comply with occupancy limits, include a private knitting workshop Dec. 9 and an embroidery event Dec. 12.

The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Further information can be found on the store's website.