Bebe Rolls Out Casual Concept

Bebe Stores is letting its hair down with the launch of its casual wear concept store, Bebe Sport. The Brisbane, Calif.-based contemporary retailer will roll-out 8 to 10 Bebe Sport locations as part of the 25 to 30 corporate store openings planned for 2003, according to chairman and chief executive Manny Mashouf.

Smaller than typical Bebe stores, the new units will average 2,000 to 2,500 square feet and feature activewear inspired by the West Coast lifestyle. Bebe has tested the strategy for the past two years at malls in the Midwest. —Nola Sarkisian-Miller