On the 14th of May was the grand unveiling of the Verona Collection store specialising in selling clothes for Muslim women. The store opened in the Fashion Square Mall located in central Florida. The Verona Collection's co-owner Lisa Vogl told WMFE that "It is a hijabi Muslim-run, women-run business".
Lisa Vogl, and her business partner Nadine Abu-Jubara opened Verona Collection as an online company. In the beginning, they only sold hijabs, scarfs, long gowns and now have triumphed in opening their first brick and mortar clothing store.
The opening of the store had brought hijabis from all walks of life eager to spend money at the first department store catering directly for their needs. The scene outside of the newly opened clothing store looked like pastel-colored ball pit as hijabis in vibrant head scarves made their way into the store.
Verona Collection retail store grand opening was a success! Met Omaya and Sally and got interviewed by NPR ?? pic.twitter.com/oBoqjlaADL
— rayyan. (@anotherarabgurl) May 14, 2016
Many had purchased clothing from the store leaving in Verona's signature black bags with white writing. Alaa Basatneh reported that not everyone shared the Muslim women's excitement as there was still some doubters, non-Muslims looked at the scene and went on "walking past and shaking their heads in disapproval".
The opening comes at a great time as report conducted by Thomson Reuters stated that global spending for halal fashion was estimated to be at $230 billion in 2014 and is set to rise to $327 billion by 2020.