Welcome to Carlsbad’s Newest Stores

If you have not visited the Forum Shops in Carlsbad I highly recommend you do so. A beautifully designed outdoor upscale shopping center, the Forum offers some of the best shops, boutiques, home, kitchen, specialty stores and dining in the area. In late June Carlsbad welcomed two new stores to the center: Urban Outfitters and H & M. I had a chance to visit these stores recently and found them to be a perfect addition to the Forum lineup.

Urban Outfitters offers modern, trendy, yet casual clothing that for the most part is a bit pricey (but hey, it’s the Forum). Many of the styles appeal to the younger (20-30 something, as well as teen) crowd, but it is possible to find clothing for any age. The store has a fun collection of knickknacks as well, like bedding, kitchen ware and other goodies. It is spacious and fun, with decent customer service.

H&M, located right next door, offers a bit more for all age groups – not just the younger crowd. Prices are pretty decent, and the store is very bright and open. There is a second level with children’s clothing and lingerie (interesting combination).  H & M does have a large, eclectic selection of accessories. Although I will miss the Borders book store that used to occupy the space taken over by these two stores, I think they are a fun and popular addition to the center.

The Forum is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon, and there are some delicious lunch places. My favorites are The Counter (custom burgers, and one of the best veggie burgers around) and the more casual Which Wich (scrumptious custom sandwiches), but you can also dine at Buca di Bepo, Panera, Casa de Bandini, or grab a healthy quick lunch at Jimbo’s Market (fantastic salad bar and hot and cold prepared foods that are mouth-watering and healthy). Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Cold Stone Creamery make for great coffee/desert treats while shopping.

The only problem at the Forum is that, with all the fantastic stores parking is getting tight. But that could change with the addition of the Forum II, which has been on the back burner for a while. Plans include a large cinema, which would be a welcome addition to the area, so keep your eye out for that.