21Q: Mall is making its move

Sacramento Bee file

Arden Fair mall (shown above) is not one to sit back on its shopping heels. I'm excited because new stores are on the way, and I've been saving my spring shopping dollars in anticipation.

OK, so I don't have a ton of $$ to spend, but a gal can always look, right? Here's what's coming:

* J.Crew: It's about time we got another area location (in addition to the Downtown Plaza and the Roseville Galleria). J.Crew continues to expand its offerings, so I'm certainly hoping for a bigger store. And bring back the shoes! Yes, the flip-flops are the best, but a girl can only own so many. We want the cute ballet flats, the espadrilles - and more. The Web site is fine for the Wedding & Special Occasion apparel. But there's great stuff in the catalog that Sacramento shoppers (both men and women) would like to pick up and finger before purchase.

Location: On the lower level, between JC Penney and Nordstrom. Scheduled to open the end of July.

* Aeropostale: I don't know as much about Aeropostale, so I checked out the store's Web site and discovered it's very similar to American Eagle, i.e., graphic tees, denim, swimsuits, hoodies, shorts, skirts, etc. Should give AE some competition as well as the higher-priced Abercrombie & Fitch, and all three will be relatively close to one another.

Location: Already open on the upper level near Macy's.

* M.A.C Cosmetics: This is huge to have a stand-alone M.A.C store - just like they do in the really big cities! What does this mean? More room for makeovers and to get in-store advice. Who benefits the most? The devoted M.A.C customer. Who benefits the least? Well, it's hard to say until it opens, but a stand-alone store could hurt sales at the M.A.C counter in Nordstrom. And check out the ... .

Location: On the lower level, near Nordstrom. Scheduled to open the end of April.

* Skechers: This is another store that will definitely appeal to the younger shoppers, even though they stock casual and dress shoes for men and women, too.

Location: On the upper level near Nordstrom. Scheduled to open in May.