According to Dan Stolzenbach, the mall's general manager, Safavieh Express opened on level five of the mall, near the "grand court," on Dec. 9.

Safavieh, a rugs and home furnishings company, purchased the mall in October. 

"We're obviously very excited to have the new Safavieh Express concept launch at Stamford Town Center," Stolzenbach said. "This company is extremely forward-thinking. They deliver high-quality furniture and home furnishings, quickly and without delivery fees, all of which appeal to our discerning customers."

Stamford Economic Development Director Thomas Madden said he and Mayor David Martin recently met with the mall's new owners to hear their vision for the redevelopment of the city's downtown area, the possibilities of which excited both of them.

"The city recently conducted a survey of residents on the type of retail stores they would like to see," Madden said. "We have shared the results with the owners and are now pursuing some of the suggestion from the list. As the city emerges from the shadow of COVID-19, we expect many new announcements to be made."

Additionally, J. Luppino Fitness is scheduled to open on level four, near Macy's, during the second week of January, Stolzenbach said.

Owner Jhonnatan Luppino said the club will open in the space previously occupied by the mall's Apple store. The opening marks the end of the owner's journey to find the perfect spot for the club's first physical location.

"I have been trying to find the ideal location to open my first fitness club for the past two years," Luppino said. "Up until now, I have been working with private clients and my business has been largely virtual, especially during this year."

After a lengthy search, Luppino said the mall seemed like the perfect fit due to its central location and proximity to the downtown area, as well as surrounding apartments and office buildings.

"You can come get your shopping and your workout done all in one trip," Luppino said.

According to Luppino, the club was initially planned to open this year, however the project faced delays due to the coronavirus crisis. The timing worked out, however, as January is typically the month when people set their fitness goals for the year.

Luppino also noted the club's "small, personable" scale compared to larger gyms may help customers feel comfortable getting back into a fitness environment.

"We will be following all CDC protocols and regulations, and the small intimate environment will allow us to properly social distance to ensure that our clients feel safe," Luppino said. "This will be the perfect environment for those that do not feel comfortable going back to the gym but want to continue focusing on their health and fitness. The format is based on small group fitness classes, which will allow us to limit the capacity of people allowed in each class."

Overall, Luppino said he is excited to share his "personal fitness playground" with the Stamford community in January.

"If you are looking for something new and challenging, give us a try," Luppino said. "I promise you will not regret it."

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