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WESTPORT, Conn. Where there once were Cadillacs are now rows and rows of colorful, fragrant flowers and other plants. The former home of Curran Cadillac in Westport, which closed in 2009, was buzzing Friday with people during the grand opening of Terrain, a new home and garden store.
The store, the second in the nation, is about more than flowers, housewares and furniture. It also features a café, a restaurant with an outdoor patio, a spa, jewelry, accessories, packaged foods, a unique shopping atmosphere and more.
This is without a doubt the hippest garden center Ive ever been to, said Weston resident Jean Niepart. Its exciting, its fun. I want to come back and hang out. Its unlike any other store Ive been to.
Creating a place where people want to spend time, beyond shopping, was the goal, said David Bowen, director of food service for Urban Outfitters Inc., the parent company that owns Terrain, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.
Its all about the customers' experience, said Bowen. We want this to be a place where people can come and enjoy their day.
Westport resident Gary Jehan and his wife Alana did just that Friday afternoon. The couple said they stopped by to to check it out, and stayed for lunch on the outdoor patio.
Expecting a typical home and garden center, the Jehans said they were impressed with the layout and design. Both said they were also surprised by the expansive inventory.
Theres a mix of everything here, said Alana.
As they walked around the store, the Jehans said they worked up an appetite and couldnt resist the restaurant.
The food was absolutely fantastic, said Gary. This is going to be a great thing for Westport because its unique theres nothing else like it in the state. And this goes to show you not everything great has to be downtown.
General Manager Matt Horn said the center, which is about 2 acres, created 80 to 90 jobs.
Terrain will be open seven days a week. The restaurant will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner. For more information, including store hours, visit shopterrain.com/Westport.
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