Franco’s Fine Clothiers is opening a store this week in the Chesterfield Towne Center for the holiday shopping season—and maybe longer. The store will take over the 4,100-square-foot space once occupied by Bachrach, which was closed in August after less than a year. Franco Ambrogi, who co-owns the upscale clothing retailer, said that if sales during the holiday season go well, he likely will keep the store open permanently. The short-term lease runs through January, he said.

Heading into the holiday shopping season, retailers are beginning their sprucing-up rituals. While some merchants put up lights, Christmas trees and menorahs by rote, others are going through it for the first time. And though Mary Mollen is one of those novices, preparing for the post-Thanksgiving rush will be easier after the three-month redesign of her store, The Toy Center.

If you’re looking for a gourmet meal and a movie, Stony Point Fashion Park might soon offer the best of both worlds: CinéBistro might open at the South Richmond shopping center in the near future. While an opening date hasn’t been set, real estate sources say CinéBistro will take over the former Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, which closed in November.

Out with the burritos, in with the fish. In early December, the Outer Banks Seafood Co. is expected to open in Stony Point Fashion Park. The restaurant, which opened its first location this spring in Corolla, N.C., is taking over the space vacated by Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café, which abruptly closed in February 2007. Mike Bishal, CEO of the restaurant that bills itself as a “traditional coastal eatery,“ said the concept for the Outer Banks location is to “help folks kick back and relax” with the soothing colors of its décor and provide “good, unpretentious food.“

Sunday is Father’s Day, and we’ve got the perfect gift. The Richmond Times-Dispatch and TimesDispatch.com invite you to deliver a personal message to Dad on our Web site. Tell him why you love him, admire him or miss him. Share the reasons you think he’s a great father, husband, role model and all-around good guy. Be part of our special tribute in the newspaper and online.

Next Sunday is Father’s Day, and we’ve got the perfect gift. The Richmond Times-Dispatch and TimesDispatch.com invite you to deliver a personal message to Dad on our Web site. Tell him why you love him, admire him or miss him. Share the reasons you think he’s a great father, husband, role model and all-around good guy. Be part of our special Father’s Day tribute in the newspaper and online.

Beanie Babies. Cabbage Patch Kids. Tickle Me Elmo. The names may conjure up visions of people standing in line, begging and cajoling sales clerks in the hopes of getting their hands on one of these hard-to-find treasures. “There is a certain portion of the population that likes to have what other people can’t have,“ says Stu Neal, president of GearMax USA Ltd., a Hanover County-based maker of backpacks and bags.

First cafés began charging $2 for cup of coffee. Now a store in Richmond-area is asking $2.95 for a cupcake. Not just any old cupcake though, said Christina Pearl man. Pearlman owns Two Sweet with sister-in-law Debra Pearlman. The shop off Lauderdale Drive in western Henrico County specializes in gourmet cupcakes. Each day the owners make 12 flavors in three categories—gourmet filled, classic and kids couture.

Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro in the Stony Point Fashion Park served its last meal Sunday night. It is the second major restaurant to close at the South Richmond mall in less than two years. Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café closed in early 2007. “It is a shame to see a second one in the neighborhood go,“ said Phil Boeglin, manager of Brio Tuscan Grille at Stony Point. “It makes you worry that people are thinking the restaurants at Stony Point are closing, and that is not the case. We are doing just fine.“