Palm Springs welcomes West Elm to town

Palm Springs welcomed the very first store to the downtown redevelopment project Wednesday. West Elm is the first national retailer to call this place home since the last tenants moved out of the Desert Fashion Plaza almost 15 years ago. Everyone involved in the redevelopment project said this is the start of a new era for the city.

West Elm is located at 201 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

“It’s one of the top retailers in home improvement and furniture and they were one of the first ones to have the faith to sign up two and a half, three years ago and they’re the first ones to open up,” said developer John Wessman.

Wessman said it won’t be long before other stores and restaurants open their doors too. Including Blaze Pizza – Il Corso and possibly H&M.

Mayor Robert Moon said it’s a sign of the times in the city.

“Palm Springs is really booming and this is an indication this wonderful store opening right in the heart of Palm Springs is an indication of that,” Moon said.

With it’s assortment of mid-century modern designs, many said West Elm won’t have a hard time fitting in.

“Every store is special to the community that we work in and for Palm Springs there’s just such a love for mid-century we really honor that in a lot of the products that we do so the assortment behind me was inspired by Palm Springs architecture,” said PR Manager Andres Ortega.

The general manager making a commitment to local artisans, selling their work at the store.

“Xio Design Studio she does amazing handcrafted wood working and the piece is one of a kind,” said Wyndal Chapital.

Some businesses near the store saying they’re thrilled to see the area open for business. The new partnership being called a great marriage with West Elm striving to create a working relationship with local businesses while generating more business for the city.

The store officially opens to the public at 10 a.m. on Thursday.