Michelle

Petite clothing returns to mall


That space previously was occupied by a similar store, Casual Corner Annex Petite, which closed in December 2005.

In January the "Petite" trade name was acquired by Charming Shoppes, a Pennsylvania-based corporation that also owns and operates Fashion Bug as well as Lane Bryant and Catherines, clothing stores aimed at plus-size women.

That paved the way for the reopening of the space under the name Petite Sophisticate.

"We've been hearing an outcry from women who have missed the shop," said Gayle Coolick, director of investor relations for Charming Shoppes.