WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A year after closing its only Lehigh Valley location, a men’s and women’s clothing retailer has made a local comeback with a new brick-and-mortar location in Lehigh County.

A new location of Lucky Brand, offering men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, opened Friday at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township, according to a store employee.

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A new Lucky Brand store has opened at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.

Ryan Kneller

The new store operates on the mall’s lower level between Lovisa and Miniso.

To celebrate its opening, the store is presenting a sale, where all denim and graphic T-shirts are “buy one, get one 50% off.”

Additionally, customers receive a complimentary Lucky Brand tote bag (while supplies last) with any purchase, the employee said.

Lucky Brand previously had a brick-and-mortar presence in the Lehigh Valley with a former Promenade Saucon Valley store, which closed in March 2025 after 18 years of business.

Lucky Brand was founded in 1990 with “a spirit of reinvention,” according to a company description.

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A new Lucky Brand store has opened at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.

Ryan Kneller

“Rooted in premium denim, Americana and self-expression, our brand is for the free-thinkers and the optimists who don’t take life too seriously. For those who say, ‘take-me-as-I-am. Or don’t. It’s cool.’ In the beginning we experimented with vintage jeans, remixing the classic to create something new. Now we make denim AND lifestyle wares. Call it eclectic Americana for all. Our products portray personality through perfectly imperfect, often American-heritage inspired details that bring levity to any look, or situation.”

Lucky Brand has roughly 130 retail stores nationwide, including five other Pennsylvania locations, according to the business’ website.

Other regional Lucky Brand stores operate at King of Prussia Mall, Philadelphia Premium Outlets and Willow Grove Park Mall in Monroe County; and Pocono Premium Outlets in Monroe County.

Individuals can shop men’s and women’s fashions, including jeans, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, sweaters, hoodies, blouses, camis, tanks, T-shirts and jackets.

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A new Lucky Brand store has opened at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.

Ryan Kneller

There are also belts and other accessories.

“Lucky Brand brings The Luckening – that sweet thing that happens during a blah day that reminds you there’s always a lighter view,” reads a message on the business’ website.

“We know great fitting jeans won’t change your life, but maybe they can make you feel a little luckier. We say wear Lucky and make good fortune. Feel lucky and you’ll find it.”

Lucky Brand is part of Authentic Brands Group, a leading owner of sports, lifestyle and entertainment intellectual property.

Authentic owns more than 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual systemwide retail sales, according to a company description.

These brands have a significant presence in 150 countries, with more than 29,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, as well as 500,000 points of sale worldwide.

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A new Lucky Brand store has opened at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.

Ryan Kneller

Authentic’s portfolio of globally recognized brands includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Reebok, Champion, Nautica, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Sports Illustrated, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Dockers, Quiksilver, Billabong, Sperry, Hunter and Ted Baker.

Through its joint venture with Saks Global, Authentic Luxury Group (ALG), it drives growth for luxury and accessible luxury brands, including Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Hervé Léger, Vince, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH.

More in WhitehallRetailer bringing ‘ridiculously low prices’ to former Bed Bath & Beyond spot in Whitehall

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A national off-price retailer is making moves in Lehigh County.

A Forman Mills store, part of a national chain offering brand-name clothing and other merchandise at a fraction of traditional retail prices, is expected to open in September at 1223 Whitehall Mall in Whitehall Township, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.

It will represent a relocation of a Whitehall Forman Mills store that previously operated less than a mile away at 2150 MacArthur Road.

The former MacArthur Road location closed on July 5 to facilitate the move.

At its new 1223 Whitehall Mall spot, Forman Mills will occupy an updated space that previously housed a Bed Bath & Beyond store, which closed in 2023. Full story here.

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A location of Forman Mills is coming soon to space that previously housed a Bed Bath & Beyond store in Whitehall Township.

Ryan Kneller

‘Better experience overall’: Popular Lehigh Valley eatery sets opening date for sister location

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A much-loved, family-run business is expanding operations in Lehigh County.

SMP Mini Mart, a popular business that is part fast-casual eatery and part convenience store at 1341 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township, on Aug. 7 will open a sister location of SMP across the street at 1050 Schadt Ave., according to Chad Sankari, who operates the business with his wife, Nancy.

Increasing foot traffic and a desire to better serve the community prompted the expansion, Chad said.

“We are very excited to bring something like this to Whitehall,” Chad told 69 News on Wednesday

“Our ultimate goal at the end of the day is to have something in Whitehall that becomes a staple for the area. Just like Philly has its iconic businesses, our goal is to have something that brings people here from all over the area.” Read more here.

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SMP Mini Mart

Easton, Wilson areas‘Incredibly grateful’: Formalwear store in Northampton County set to close

WILSON, Pa. – A destination for bridal gowns, prom dresses and other formalwear is bidding farewell.

Dolly’s Boutique & Studio, a family-run store offering designer formalwear, is set to close on Aug. 30 at 2495 Freemansburg Ave. in Wilson, Northampton County, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.

The Wilson boutique has been in operation for nearly a decade.

A second location of Dolly’s, known as Dolly’s Dressing Room, will continue to operate at the Promenade Saucon Valley shopping center in Upper Saucon Township. Read more.

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Dolly’s Boutique & Studio operates on Freemansburg Avenue in Wilson.

Ryan Kneller

Lehigh Valley’s new vintage shop, offering ‘unique and fun’ ‘90s/Y2K fashions, sets opening date

EASTON, Pa. – A new spot for curated vintage clothes, shoes, accessories and collectibles will soon welcome shoppers in Northampton County.

Bittersweet Vintage, featuring a unique assortment of 1990s and Y2K women’s fashions and collectibles, will hold a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 8 at 347 Ferry St. in downtown Easton.

“I’ve always been interested in fashion, and I feel like I’m the most expressive with my clothing,” owner Makayla Pfeifer told 69 News earlier this month.

“I grew up thrifting and with second-hand clothing, and it’s just been a continuous passion of mine throughout my life. So, I want to share that passion with the community and help others find cool clothes, too,” she said.

Pfeifer also owns and operates another Easton area business, Makayla Belle Cosmetic Tattoo, offering customized, natural-looking cosmetic tattoo results designed to enhance your features, in Palmer Township. Full story here.

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Bittersweet Vintage

‘A great run’: Furniture retailer shutters one Lehigh Valley location, holding store closing sale at another

Individuals looking to spruce up their homes with new furniture can score deals at a store closing sale in Northampton County.

A location of Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses, offering furniture for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and offices, is holding a store closing sale at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township.

Another Decor Home store closed earlier this month after a little more than a year of operation at 2178 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem.

“After a great run at Palmer Park Mall, Decor Home Furniture is saying goodbye,” reads an announcement on the business’ social media pages.

“To clear out our showroom, we are holding a massive store closing liquidation sale! Whether you’ve been eyeing that leather sofa or need a mattress upgrade, now is the time to buy. Deep discounts of 40-60% off are happening right now. Come say hi and help us clear the floor!” Read more here.

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A location of Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses, offering furniture for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and offices, is holding a store closing sale at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township.

Ryan Kneller

Craft beverage buzz

 

Lehigh Valley brewery to open scenic 2nd location featuring a beer garden, mini-golf course

LEHIGH TWP., Pa. – A popular Lehigh Valley business is brewing an expansion with a new, nature-filled venue – complete with a rustic taproom, creekside beer garden and miniature golf course.

The owners of Taylor House Brewing Co., a craft brewery at 76 Lehigh St. in Catasauqua, in late 2024 purchased a commercial property at 4315 W. Mountain Drive in Lehigh Township and have been working over the past year to open a second location at the site.

The 8-acre property was previously home to Fore Scoops, an ice cream shop and miniature golf facility, which closed in 2024 after four years of operation.

Fred and Annette Pompa, Taylor House’s husband-and-wife operators, saw an opportunity to expand operations in another part of the Lehigh Valley with a second Taylor House taproom that also would include accompanying outdoor attractions. Read more.

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Taylor House Brewing Co. is planning to open a second location, tentatively set to be named “Hidden Creek Beer Garden & Taproom,” at 4315 W. Mountain View Drive in Lehigh Township.

Ryan Kneller

New matcha bar is a ‘dream come true’ for Lehigh Valley mom

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular business, which has amassed a large and loyal following at local markets, festivals, and private events, is continuing to shine with its first brick-and-mortar location in Northampton County.

Cataleya Casa Del Matcha, a matcha bar offering high-quality matcha drinks made with hand-crafted syrups and other premium ingredients, held a soft opening on Saturday at 1421 Center St. in Bethlehem.

The new cafe occupies an updated property next to The Old Library Bookshop.

Coral Guadalupe and her partner, Marcos Friessner, established the matcha business in spring 2025 as a mobile venture, setting up stands and serving made-to-order matcha drinks at Lehigh Valley events and venues such as the Bethlehem Rose Garden Farmers Market in West Bethlehem and Belleville Street Faire in South Bethlehem. Full story here.

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Cataleya Casa Del Matcha, a matcha bar offering high-quality matcha drinks made with hand-crafted syrups and other premium ingredients, held a soft opening on Saturday at 1421 Center St. in Bethlehem.

Ryan Kneller

Foodie findsLehigh Valley’s new ‘Hot Spot’ eatery serving up specialty pizzas, dinners, subs and more

TATAMY, Pa. – A new pizzeria is slicing into the Lehigh Valley’s dining scene this weekend.

Hot Spot Pizza Shop, serving a variety of freshly prepared American and Italian dishes, held a grand opening at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at 200 Main St. in Tatamy.

The space was the longtime home of Tony’s Pizzeria, which moved in 2022 to a larger location at 3417 Sullivan Trail in Forks Township.

From June 2022 to June 2023, the Main Street spot also housed Mersin on Main Mediterranean restaurant, and over the past couple of years, the space was home to Leo’s Pizza. Read more here.

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Hot Spot Pizza Shop is coming soon to 200 Main St. in Tatamy.

Hot Spot Pizza Shop

‘Sample, sip, repeat!’: Blue Mountain Resort hosting 3rd annual Pierogies & Pints Festival

LOWER TOWAMENSING TWP., Pa. – Get ready for a deliciously fun weekend – filled with pierogies, draft beer, live music, and local craft vendors at an upcoming Blue Mountain Resort event.

The second annual Pierogies & Pints Festival will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, at the resort, 1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Lower Towamensing Township.

Named after the Slavic word pierogi, meaning “feast” or “festivity,” the event invites community members to “sample, sip, repeat!” as they enjoy a variety of pierogies and vote their favorites in three categories – traditional, dessert, and most creative, according to an event description.

Awards will be presented to the pierogi vendors with the most votes. Read more.

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Courtesy Blue Mountain Resort

Lehigh County newsLehigh Valley children’s playground to hold grand opening with free entry, magic show and more

SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – An expansive, multi-level children’s play facility invites the community to celebrate its grand opening with raffles, face painting, balloon twisting, costumed characters, refreshments and more.

Star Park Indoor Playground & Party, an indoor playground for children, will hold its grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 3300 Lehigh St. in Salisbury Township.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10:45 a.m.

Other festivities will include free admission, free face painting, complimentary snacks and refreshments (while supplies last), a live magic show (11 a.m. to noon), balloon twister (noon to 1 p.m.), costumed characters, photo opportunities and a grand opening raffle giveaway. Full story here.

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Star Park Allentown

Pamper your pets at new Lehigh Valley pet boutique, offering grooming, supplies and food

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Individuals seeking top-notch care and products for their pooches and other furry friends have a new spot to check out in Lehigh County.

Paws & Claws Boutique, offering pet grooming, supplies and food, held a soft opening at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at 1382 Hanover Ave. in Allentown, owner Eahab Barkil told 69 News.

Customers can shop a wide array of dog and cat food and treats, including premium and nutritious selections from popular brands like Fromm, Open Farm and Purina, along with accessories such as beds, toys, leashes and harnesses.

There also will be cat and dog brushes, shampoo and other pet care items. Read more here.

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Paws & Claws Boutique is coming soon to 1382 Hanover Ave. in Allentown.

Ryan Kneller

Promenade Saucon Valley retires pop-jet fountain in advance of ‘reimagined’ Town Square

U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – A popular family-friendly feature at Promenade Saucon Valley has been discontinued as new plans take shape.

After careful consideration, the Upper Saucon Township center’s management team made the “difficult decision” to permanently retire its interactive pop-jet fountain, effective Monday, July 27, according to an online announcement.

Ongoing maintenance and necessary infrastructure updates played a part in the team’s decision, which “was not made lightly.” Read more.

Promenade Saucon Valley pop-jet fountain

Promenade Saucon Valley

Restaurant in Coopersburg reopens after storm damage shut it down

COOPERSBURG, Pa. – Inside The New Santiago’s Restaurant on Route 309 in Coopersburg, orders are up again and reunions with familiar faces are back.

“It’s really good to see all the locals come in,” said Hannah Moretti, a waitress.

A fast-moving storm damaged the restaurant in March, forcing it to temporarily close.

Balloons and workers, like waitress Allison Kline welcome customers as the doors reopen four months after temporarily closing. Full story here.

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The New Santiago’s Restaurant is located at 125 N. Third St. in Coopersburg.

Ryan Kneller

Berks County news‘Things are going really well’: Developer provides construction updates for “The Broadcast District”

SPRING TWP., Pa. – Work continues on the Broadcast District site in Spring Township.

“Things are going really well right now. The project is completely underway, there’s a lot of activity on site,” said Matt Robinson, Senior Vice President, Mixed Use SJC Ventures.

Atlanta-based SJC Ventures, the developers behind the restaurant, retail, and residential space, say plans are moving forward as scheduled.

“If you’ve been by the site, you’ll see that it’s really starting to take shape. We’re getting the first rounds of parking lots, and curbs, and really starting to see the site come together,” Robinson said.

“We’ve also got several buildings that are going vertical as well. We’ve got about five buildings that are starting construction on the retail side and three that are starting on our apartment residences,” he added. Read more here.

Berks Jazz Fest enters a new era for the festival’s 36th year

BERKS COUNTY, Pa. – Organizers say the Berks Jazz Fest is entering a new era.

Event organizers say a new management organization, called Berks Jazz Fest, has been established to keep the festival going.

The announcement comes days after the Berks Arts Council said it will end operations after 55 years. Read more.