Here Are the 4 Small Philly Businesses Coming to the Former Gallery Mall

Fashion District Philadelphia. Photo by Patrick Bilow.

The wait is almost over for the reopening of the former Gallery Mall. The $400 million project is scheduled to open this September, and its developers — PREIT and Macerich — just announced the local businesses that they will house in Uniquely Philly, the space exclusively dedicated to growing and supporting Philly’s small businesses at Fashion District Philadelphia. America Hats LLC, Dolly’s Boutique, Duafe x The Sable Collective and South Fellini make up the inaugural class of businesses moving into the nearly 4,647-square-foot space.

Fashion District Philadelphia collaborated with the Enterprise Center, a Wharton Small Business Development Center organization, to select the new tenants. The Enterprise Center, which works to grow high potential, minority and women entrepreneurs, recruited and presented business recommendations for the final Uniquely Philly selection.

“At The Enterprise Center, we’re deeply committed to cultivating and investing in diverse and minority entrepreneurs as a way to foster collaboration that helps drive economic growth in communities,” said Enterprise Center president and CEO Della Clark in a statement. “Our partnership with PREIT in the development of Uniquely Philly will support community revitalization by providing opportunities for greater resources and exposure that benefits local small businesses.”

Once Uniquely Philly opens, the businesses will operate with the aid of Fashion District Philadelphia and The Enterprise Center, which will both assist with business plans, design and marketing.

“With Uniquely Philly, Fashion District is working side by side with local entrepreneurs as they grow their company and make a meaningful impact in the community – further solidifying this project as a unique Philadelphia destination,” said PREIT CEO Joseph Coradino in a statement.

Here’s more on the new Uniquely Philly tenants:

American Hats LLC: Rev. Georgiette Morgan-Thomas’ American Hats LLC has sold American-made hats since 2015. The family-run business has designs for evening and casual wear, on top of vintage designs and specialty hats for weddings and the Kentucky Derby.

Dolly’s Boutique: The Germantown clothing boutique has been operating under owner Shani Newton for over nine years. Centered on the working woman, Dolly’s offers both daywear and formal attire. Plus, formerly homeless or incarcerated women can get clothing free of charge to help them head back into the workforce.

Duafe x the Sable Collective: Owners Syreeta Scott and Shanti Meyers combined their businesses to create a socially minded boutique. Their Uniquely Philly space will feature the hair care products that earned Scott a Best of Philly award (and visits from Jill Scott and Janet Jackson) as well as locally sourced, women-owned jewelry, clothing, housewares and body products.

South Fellini: Tony Trovarello and Johnny Zito began their business in 2008, selling parody Phillies shirts after the World Series victory. They’ve sold tourist and native-friendly shirts and pins ever since, opening their first storefront in 2016.

To see the complete list of Fashion District Philadelphia tenants that have been announced, click here.