Gwinnett Daily Post

BUFORD -- The chief executive officer of a company that owns one of the nation's most recognized brands of baby and children's clothing paid a visit Tuesday to the Mall of Georgia.

Michael Casey, CEO of Carter's Inc., said the Buford shopping destination was one of the best places he could imagine to pioneer a new, innovative store design for the company's OshKosh B'gosh apparel.

Following a ribbon cutting ceremony early Tuesday morning, Casey talked about the business' history.

"OshKosh has been around a long time," Casey said. "It's an authentic American brand for generations of consumers. Most of OshKosh stores are in outlet centers. This is the first retail store in a mall in the state of Georgia."

Casey said that the company chose the Mall of Georgia because "it's the best family destination for many families in the state. If you're going to have one of our stores in a mall in this state, the best place to have it is the Mall of Georgia."

Located on the lower level of the children'swWing, the store features a "B'gosh Kids Only" entrance and creativity table where children can create artwork to frame and take home.

Customers will find an assortment of the children's wear in sizes Baby-5T at the new location, which is slated to open Saturday.

"The Mall of Georgia is the perfect location to launch our new store design, and we are thrilled to be introducing this beautiful store and product offering to our customers," said Lisa Fitzgerald, executive vice president and brand leader with OshKosh B'gosh. "For nearly 120 years, OshKosh B'gosh has been proud to clothe generations of Americans. Many of today's moms and dads wore the brand as children, and we're excited to see them continue the tradition with their kids."

The company plans to open its next store in Houston, Texas at the Houston Galleria Mall later in 2012.