New Teen Clothing Retailer Coming to Smith Haven Mall

Montreal-based clothing retailer Garage is set to open a location at Smith Haven Mall, which a company spokeswoman said will be one of 18 U.S. stores in operation by the fall.

Garage caters to teenage girls, with a mission statement of treating and dressing each customer "so she feels like a celebrity."

According to U.S. Census data, between 23.8 percent and 26.3 percent of the populations of Setauket, Stony Brook, Hauppauge, Nesconset, Smithtown, and St. James are below the age of 18.

"In this case, the profile of the community shows us that we will have the pleasure of sharing the Garage shopping experience with many teen girls," said Barbara Epstein, a company spokeswoman.

Epstein said the company anticipates opening the approximately 3,500-square-foot location in September, with an additional eight to 10 U.S. locations slated to open during the remainder of the year. Garage, established in 1975, currently has 160 stores.

Garage also maintains a blog, which offers its readers contests, polls, quizzes, brand exclusives and offers, music, and answers to questions.

In a July 2011 interview, one Garage designer said "succeeding and growing in the U.S market" was one of the company's greatest achievements.