French eatery on the way

In Raleigh's North Hills shopping center, a new French restaurant is preparing to open where two Southern-themed restaurants have failed.

The prime corner spot near the main entrance to North Hills was originally Restaurant Savannah, but that restaurant closed in late 2006 and was subsequently mired in a number of legal cases.

Savannah was followed by South, the creation of Raleigh restaurateurs Kevin and Stacey Jennings. But after a lukewarm reception, the couple closed South in June.

Now they're back with Coquette Brasserie. It will become part of their Urban Food Group portfolio, which includes popular local eateries Frazier's, Porter's and Vivace.

Coquette will be a step up from a cafe but still offer a more relaxed atmosphere than a formal restaurant. It will serve French favorites such as steak pommes frites and breakfast items including omelettes and quiche.

It will open in late October.

In Durham, Bull City Running Co. opens today in the Southpoint Crossing Plaza at Fayetteville Road and N.C. 54. The store is owned by Kim and Jason Page of Durham. They will sell specialty running and walking shoes, apparel and accessories.

In Raleigh, a new business will open Oct. 4 that showcases the wares of North Carolina artists and craftsmen and features more than 20 consignment vendors. When Pigz Fly -- which got its name because the owners said they'd open the business "when pigs fly" -- is at 11125 Six Forks Road. It will be closed Mondays.

In Raleigh's Sutton Square at Falls of Neuse and Spring Forest roads, Classic Coverings Interior Design will close in December after 19 years. But owner Mary Conroy plans to continue working, offering her interior design services by appointment under the business name Classic Coverings Design Studio.

In Wake Forest, Wine 101 will open Oct. 9 at 3325 Rogers Road in the Shoppes at Heritage shopping center. The shop is designed to teach people about wine and has a sampling machine so you can try wine before you buy.

OTHER ITEMS: In Durham's Northgate mall, apparel store Silvina opened this week near Macy's. ... In Raleigh, Stonehenge Vision Source moved down the street to 7200 Creedmoor Road. ... A doggie day care called Dogtopia is preparing to open two area locations. The Cary store at 507 James Jackson Ave. will open today. The Raleigh store is at 4708 Hargrove Road and will open Oct. 4. ... In Raleigh, Janie's Tailors at 1609 North Market Drive is under new ownership and has become Tam's Tailor. ... At Cary Towne Center, Halloween Alley, Calendar Club and Go! Games are now open. ... And in Knightdale, the TJMaxx at Midtown Commons off U.S. 64 is scheduled to open on Oct. 19.

Finally, I have an announcement. As most of you know, The News & Observer has been making changes to the paper. As part of this effort, Retailing is moving to Fridays, effective next week. My next column will appear in this space Oct. 3.