Guests were welcomed to the lovely store by Managing Director Jodi Tobman and the Salamander Group family members for a Tip Our Hats party, in celebration and appreciation of local clients.

As part of the evening’s entertainment, besides fabulous drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a raffle for a shopping spree was conducted. Andrea Alfonso was the lucky winner of the gift certificate and she claimed her prize at the beginning of January.

Besides being a wonderfully stocked and decorated fun store, T.H. Palm & Company, is also on its fifth year of fund-raising for the community under the Tikkun Olam program, delivering quarterly donations to Aruba’s not-for-profit foundations. The repair of the world checks derive from funds donated by the Salamander Group and store shoppers.

Pictured here Girls Night Out Raffle Winner, with store representative.

Joining the outstanding collection of stylish and contemporary stores Adolfo Dominguez, a Spanish designer whose origins go back to the 1950s, to a tailor’s shop set up by Adolfo Domínguez Senior.

In 1973, with the opening of his first retail store, which initially focused on tailored suits, the corner-stone of today’s fashion empire was laid. Over the years, Adolfo Domínguez launched a range of new product lines, including fragrances, and his innovative designs placed his name at the forefront of the revolution of Spain’s fashion, promoting ready-to-wear urban styles, with stores in Madrid and Barcelona. In 1985 the designer presented his first women’s collection on the Paris catwalks, and this marked the start of the firm’s international expansion, which has taken his collections all over Europe, Japan, America and South-East Asia, and now to Aruba to the Renaissance Mall.

The Adolfo Dominguez brand embraces design, production and distribution through an extensive network of the company’s own stores and franchises, all linked by means of a state-of-the-art computer system.

The store in Aruba is custom designed by the Spanish mother-firm which manufactured all displays and custom created anything from lamp shades to shelves. The store stocks both the men’s and the women’s lines including gorgeous shoes and handbags, beautiful jewelry and accessories, and mostly impressive, elegant clothes at affordable prices.

Another new store which needs no introduction is a double space for Crocs, a shoe manufacturer who has sold millions of flip-flops, clogs, sandals, boots, and slides, in rainbow colors, since 2004, when three friends from Canada started to produce and distribute a foam clog design acquired from another company called Foam Creations. The shoe had originally been developed as a spa product. The first model produced by Crocs, the Beach, was unveiled in 2002 at the Ft Lauderdale boat show, and sold out the 200 pairs available at that time.

The store at the Renaissance Mall has a great selection for men, women and kids including sneakers and the latest translucent shoes for ladies, designed to brighten the Summer up, also Croc Chameleons which change colors in the sun.

And as if this is not enough, the mall just recently unveiled EPK, an original concept store innovating fashion for children by offering adult-styled clothing and accessories for babies and children up to 12 years old. Manufactured in excellent quality and inspired by the latest global trends, the clothes are designed in France, and sold in Aruba at very competitive prices.

Another recent addition to the mall is the Aruba In Style 2011 office, promoting Aruba’s first fashion week. The runways here, promise to burst into fire as the hottest designs, fashions and models show their work to date, November 3^rd to 6^th, 2011. Guests and locals are invited to visit the office for more information about the fashion extravaganza, produced locally, and headquartered at the Renaissance Mall.

Adding to the excitement in the mall, a unique cultural exhibit by the National Archeological Museum offered in collaboration with Meta Corp., the mall’s parent company.

Titled O Aruba, the exhibit’s name echoes some of the lyrics of the island’s national anthem ‘O Aruba, nos Baranca ta stima,’ which declares the love of the singer to this small, much-appreciated rock.

The meaningful expo was put together in honor of Aruba’s 25^th anniversary of Status Aparte, the island’s unique status within the Dutch Kingdom, and in honor of the national anthem’s 35^th anniversary. The central theme of the exhibit is creativity, as it finds expression in Aruba’s prehistoric times, and how the island’s special ingenuity has served it through the years and into the future.

The panels hanging overhead were created in English & Papiamento featuring some of the museum treasures of Amerindian artifacts, from tools to jewelry, celebrating the island’s rich heritage and inviting the public at large to further explore the subject by visiting the National Archeological Museum in the heart of town.

Visit the Renaissance Mall in Oranjestad, now featuring extended shopping hours, and its twin-sister the Renaissance Marketplace, 10am to 8pm. www.shoprenaissancearuba.com. The countdown for the opening of the brand new Coach mega-store in on, at the end of the Summer.

Aruba in Style, is produced in association with IMG and is the first of its kind in the region. Celebrities, designers, top models, fashion media and fashinistas will flock to the island for fashion shows, parties and designers events in early November. The travel professionals attending CATA reported they will be promoting travel to Aruba for the premiere of Aruba In Style, as soon as they return to their home countries.

The Renaissance Mall with its lovely string of fashion boutiques was the perfect venue for the preview in a form of a dazzling fashion show featuring looks by Gottex and Eva Boutique, Kenneth Cole, BCBG, Ermenegildo Zegna and Carolina Herrera. Aruba’s top models under the direction of Ronchi de Cuba, of Koma models, strutted their stuff on the runway, especially created for the occasion in the heart of the mall.

The evening was a total success. Immediately after the fashion show emceed by Evelin Wever, PR & Marketing Executive for Aruba In Style, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino presented the dignitaries with an interactive buffet of delicious specialties over bottomless flutes of champagne with live music by Jairo Boekhoudt and Acoustic Soul.

Special thanks go to the Aruba Tourism Authority, The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, the Renaissance Mall and Mosaic Fabulous Event Planners, for jointly raising the bar on VIP entertainment on the island.

General Manager Paul Gielen welcomed the guests  on behalf of Renaissance serving as the party host.

The East Tower, overlooking Palm Beach boasts 208 condos, spread over 14 floors. The two top building floors embrace 16 penthouse apartments with majestic views. The building in its entirety is scheduled to conclude construction at the end of this year. Then following the completion of the elegant club house, the tropical landscaped pool and the spacious parking lots in April of 2011, condos will be delivered to their proud new owners.

A spokesperson for Homenet Real Estate reports that the project enjoys much attention this Winter season, and is visited regularly by snow-birds longing to make their dream of a vacation-home on the island, come true.

Making the decision on a purchase, and acting on it fast, was recently made even more imperative. In November of 2010, the island government of Aruba reiterated its commitment to a building moratorium for the next 10 years, making Acqua Condominium a truly unique investment opportunity, as it is the one and only high-rise condo project, on property land, in the island’s most-desired location.

In view of the moratorium news, and the project’s lucrative position, developers were impelled to call the pre-construction discounts off. Nevertheless other purchase incentives were introduced, such as a time-share trade in. A number of time-share projects may be traded in, the spokesperson explains, with certain restrictions. Also a profitable deal is available to buyers in which they may place their unit in a rental pool with a guaranteed 6-months income, for the first year.

If the image of Aqua Condominium tugs at your heartstrings, you are invited to visit the sales gallery and the two elegant model-suites available for viewing, fully finished with luxurious touches and high-end amenities.

The sales center is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Meet the sales team who will guide you through the purchase of the stylish condo of your dreams, allowing you to return to Aruba as often as you wish.

You will find the website very helpful with all legal documents, floor plans, furnishings and finishings, posted on line: www.acquaruba.com

Acqua Condominium Aruba, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard z/n. Palm Beach Aruba.

The Mad Hatter stocks wide brimmed & narrow brimmed Derby hats for women, a variety of straw hats, Western hats, Panama hats, Stetsons, Newsboy caps, Military caps, Aussie hats, Fedoras, all kinds of dressy and out-doorish head gear for men and women, and distinctive jewelry. The handbags are made from 100% recycled materials and are great for the beach.

Open from 5pm to 10pm at the Village Mall, you will recognize the shop by its signature oversize Mad Hatter’s hat, suspended from the marquis.

Julieta Vieira brings that art to Aruba, directly from Cuba, as a guest of the Cigar Emporium she is conducting professional cigar rolling demonstrations, and showing the entire cigar making process, live, at the Renaissance Mall.

Cigar aficionados can watch her work how she squeezes the supple leaves into a bundle, after removing the center veins, how the layered leaf is then bound with expertly cut leaf-halves, leaving the best, most flawless leaf for the wrapper; how the floury paste keeps it all together perfectly rolled, not to tight, not too loose, for a just-right draw.

Bound cigars then get the wrapper for a handsome finish, ends twirled and neatly cut with an extra piece of leaf cap on the end.

Julieta will be here for one month, says store manager Ulrika Tromp and the store at the Renaissance Mall is inviting shoppers to spend just $50, and get a free fresh cigar.

The walk-in humidor at the Cigar Emporium stocks the finest selection of cigars on the island, Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo & Julieta, Partagas and H. Upmann which pair well with the store’s Cuban coffee.

EQ3, a Canadian lifestyle concept inspiring the intimate and emotional place we call home, offers globally influenced designs, manufactured innovatively and affordably.  The furniture pieces and accessories are inspired by modern living, and fit our many social and individual needs. Clients may find a large selection of entertainment aids such as end tables, cocktail tables, media storage, sofa tables, and living storage at the fully stocked showroom, as well as bedding, clocks, decorations, lighting, mirrors, tableware and the latest collection of new area rugs.

EQ3 also offers custom upholstery, and clients are invited to choose from over 100 fabrics and 45 leathers in solid colors and fanciful prints, in bold hues and subtle neutrals, including the styles of legs and the color to match. From sofas and beds, to pillows and chair seats, clients get to decide what, when and how many, mixing and matching their own individual styles.

Visit the showroom at Salinja Cerca, Noord, Telephone: 586-3373 Website www.eq3.com

Friday, the 8^th of January was the grand opening event un Aruba´s newest shopping center. It was shareholder Mr. Gregorio Alvarez´s son Sebastián Alvarez Schemel who had the honor of cutting the ribbon and start celebrating the presence of a brand new store. Many on Aruba have been waiting a long time for this moment to satisfy their shopping need for Nautica´s quality apparel. The store is a joint effort of local Retail operator Representaciones Venaruba N.V. of the Hernandez-Quero familiy with brothers Mr. German and Gregorio Alvarez.and their friend Mr. Franz Vollbracht as shareholders. Management and Financial advice is provided by Tower Trust (Aruba) N.V.

Founded in 1983, Nautica has evolved from a collection of men’s outerwear to a leading global lifestyle brand with products ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories. Now part of VF (Vanity Fair) Corporation, a leader in branded quality apparel, Nautica has become one of the most important American lifestyle brands throughout the world.

Nautica took its name from the Latin word “Nauticus” for ship. Since one of mankind’s first accomplishments in exploring the world was to take to the seas, a spinnaker logo was designed as a symbol of adventure, action and classicism. Today the world of Nautica represents both a rediscovery and reinterpretation of what Americans have always wanted to wear. Nautica is currently available in more than 64 countries with more than 170 Nautica branded stores worldwide. And now also is back in Aruba.

Come and experience the new store and buy some great apparel for yourself or buy something special for a loved one. Management has assembled a local Dream team to staff the store, lead by the dynamic Verenna Salie-Christiaans. The store is located on the Northwest side (opposite Aqua Condominiums) of the new Palm Beach Plaza, conveniently in front of the Parking area, local 120.

Salamander Holdings was celebrating the opening of its new flagship store The Coconut Trading Co., on the eve of the company’s 15^th anniversary.

As the gift guru found the perfect gift for everyone, a nice gathering of guests oohed & ahhed over luscious Baileys Irish Cream, courtesy of Romar Trading and decadent classic French desserts, by the pastry chef of Papillion Restaurant.

In her short but sweet welcome remarks Jodi thanked her dedicated staff for all their efforts and took pleasure in announcing that The Coconut Trading Co. will join hands with FPNC, Fundacion pa Nos Communidad, for an expansion of the company’s repair of the world, Tikkun Olam program already in place at T.H. Palm & Company, its equally beautiful gift store at the Playa Linda Beach Resort.

Jodi shared that FPNC will receive a percentage of sale from each purchase, from both The Coconut Trading Co. at the Village Mall and The Coconut Trading Co. at the Marriott Ocean Club. A portion of the sale will be donated in line with the company’s core value of community support contributing to the repair of the world.

The not for profit FPNC, believes in Gandhi’s view that poverty is the worst form of violence, and in light of that philosophy set out to create a food bank, a clothing bank and a furniture bank, says Claudie C. Wegdam, Project Coordinator, for Fundacion Pa Nos Comunidad, www.fpncaruba.com. Salamander Holdings will be FPNC’s first proud sponsor.

Pictured here snapshots of the festive opening, including an informal ribbon cutting ceremony by writer Rona Coster who often lends her pen to the support of her community.