2021 Recap: Store Openings, Events, and What’s On the Horizon for 2022

Gainesville, FL – January 13th, 2022– As we forge ahead into 2022, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the past year’s achievements, milestones, and moments that we continue to build upon.

Nine Grand Openings

In 2021, Butler Enterprises held nine grand openings. These new restaurants, retailers, and entertainment businesses bring economic opportunities and jobs to our community.

In January, the fashion retailer Anthropologie opened its 8700+ square foot store in Butler Town Center. Anthropologie carries a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, accessories, home furniture, decoration, beauty, and gifts that cater to the five muses: soft and delicate, boho chic, effortlessly cool, elegant classic, and modern sporty.

In February, CycleBar opened its doors at Butler Town Center to provide a heart-pumping, low-impact workout that everyone can enjoy. Their state-of-the-art studio offers fun and exciting group spin classes where you ride to the beat of the music.

In April, Mode Aveda Salon welcomed patrons through its doors. Thoughtfully designed to elevate the traditional salon and spa experience, Mode Aveda seeks to offer a luxurious experience for its clients.

May was a busy month for the Butler Enterprises team, with three grand openings! The popular West-coast retailer, Tillys, opened at Butler North next to Marshall’s. Known for specializing in casual apparel, footwear, and accessories, Tillys carries an extensive assortment of iconic, emerging, and proprietary brands to appeal to various tastes while remaining rooted in an active and social lifestyle.

In mid-May, the fashion-forward women’s boutique, Narcissus, held their grand opening complete with in-store sales, trunk shows, and cocktails. Within months of their grand opening celebration, Narcissus quickly rose through the ranks to become the top-rated boutique in Gainesville for its selection of clothing, accessories, home accents, and beauty products.

The Butler team welcomed Chicken Salad Chick with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new location in Butler North to top off an exciting month. The opening week featured a series of giveaways and drew crowds of hundreds who waited in lines that started at midnight -- all for the chance to win a year of chicken salad (yes, it’s THAT good!).

In August, Boot Barn officially opened at Butler. While this brand is not new to the Gainesville area, the store is newly constructed, and the selection of boots is incredible.

Butler Esplanade became the place to be when cult-favorite Jeremiah’s Italian Ice opened its windows to serve their famous gelati! Fans enjoy a selection of 30 flavors of the flavored shaved ice, frozen custard, and toppings.

In November, Butler Town Center welcomed its newest retailer, women’s athleisure brand Athleta. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, eager customers shopped in the beautiful 4,400 square foot store filled with the latest styles just in time for the holiday season.

$120K+ Raised for Charities at Butler Events

Rock the Runway
In February, Butler hosted its second annual Rock the Runway fashion show benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida. With the help of Keith Watson Productions, Butler transformed the streets of Butler Town Center into an exciting street party featuring fashions from a variety of Butler tenants and a variety of small plates, wine, and champagne, all graciously donated from Butler restaurants.

European Car Show
In October, Butler hosted Gainesville’s first European Car Show with title sponsors: Continental Imports, Audi Gainesville, Werkshop49, Charles Schwab, BMW of Gainesville, and Porsche of Ocala. The show drew thousands of spectators and over 100 European vehicles to Butler Town Center. Proceeds from the show benefited The United Way of North Central Florida.

Deck The Runway

Our first annual holiday-themed fashion show raised over $100K for local mental health charity, PALS THRIVE. Deck The Runway was an evening of fun, fashion, and philanthropy, celebrating the latest styles from Butler retailers and food from Butler restaurants.

Christmas At Butler
Our annual Christmas Event featured performances from ten local dance and musical groups, spanning all ages and demographics. Butler restaurants and retailers spread

holiday cheer by providing free food and beverages and various holiday-themed activities.

On The Horizon

With 2022 underway, we have an exciting lineup of store openings and events in the near future. T-Yummi, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Foxtail Coffee Co., Ford's Garage, Buff City Soap, and Burlington Coat Factory plan to open their doors this year and join a long list of successful restaurants and businesses at Butler. Stay tuned for even more big announcements coming soon!

2022 promises to be one of the most successful years ever at Butler, and we encourage you to follow us on social media and subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date with announcements, events, and news.

We are planning more fun, family-friendly events this year, including car shows, musical performances, fashion shows, etc. If you have an event idea, please reach out on social media with your request.

Thank you for being a part of the Butler community, and we hope to see you at our businesses and events!

Located in southwest Gainesville, Florida, Butler Enterprises offers over 150 stores and restaurants spanning 2 million square feet. Butler Enterprises is the largest retail center in North Central Florida.

Additional information about Butler Enterprises is available at www.shopatbutler.com

Contact: Elizabeth Scott
Director of Community & Events, Butler Enterprises

escott@butlerenterprises.com

Office: (352) 372-3581
3217 SW 35th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32608