One of the major highlights of our grade school existence was a fundraising program that let parents purchase gift certificates to major retailers with the understanding that a small percentage of the sale would be kicked back to the school.

As a result, our anti-television, anti-preteen-nonsense mother suddenly started handing us certificates to Blockbuster and The Limited Too. And we weren’t the only lucky ones: All over the building, our slack-jawed classmates began clutching pre-gift-card-era paper money like dozens of little Charlie Buckets with golden tickets.

Clearly, this fundraising thing had made our parents crazy. And we had no idea what we did to deserve such a miracle.

Fast-forward 15 years, and the founders of Boston Community Change hope the same insanity will be a boon to area stores.

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I’ve been waiting for Zara to open in Boston ever since I returned from studying abroad in Europe. The retailer debuted in Spain in 1975, and is now an internationally known fashion mecca in more than 61 countries. Thursday, my wish came true. Zara finally opened its doors at 214 Newbury Street inside the former Emporio Armani.

Yesterday, we hit the grand opening to start building our spring wardrobe. We arrived expecting a horde of women and men and a dressing room backup a la H & M. But it was surprisingly calm. We were able to shop comfortably and get in and out of the fitting rooms quickly (although we hate the six garments or less rule). (more…)

For spring, hemlines aren’t the only thing on the rise: High-rents are kicking small boutiques when they’re down.

When Zara was announced as the new tenant for the huge space recently vacated by the Armani Café, we have to admit that we were slightly ecstatic. Not only because we could now avoid the billowing cloud of cigarette smoke and Acqua di Gio that hung over the place, but also because it meant more big names in Boston. And when rumors of new store openings include names like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, we can’t help the visions of spacious flagships and snooty sales associates which dance in Bostonista’s head. (more…)