Rue21 coming to Ward Parkway Center

rue21, a discount retailer of contemporary clothing for young men and women, plans to open in Ward Parkway Center.

The store is scheduling a May 15 opening in a 5,140-square-foot space in the center at 8600 Ward Parkway. It will be next to Garry Gribble’s Running Sports.

The company said the “rue” in its name comes from the French word for “street” while the “21” embodies “the age that everyone wants to be.”

rue21, which is based in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Penn., has about 1,000 stores in 47 states, including area stores in Independence and Blue Springs. Inventory includes lingerie, yoga wear, shoes and accessories, fragrance and beauty, and swimwear.

In other Ward Parkway Center updates: Elite Nail is expanding its shop with work scheduled to be completed in April.

This story was originally published March 11, 2014 at 10:40 AM with the headline "Rue21 coming to Ward Parkway Center."