New iPad Draws a Crowd to Apple Store

Long lines formed Friday for the Apple store at Walt Whitman Mall. and the chance to buy the iPad 2. Two lines, one for iPad buyers, another for everyone else formed with about 100 people in the iPad line Friday evening. Apple employees were everywhere, demonstrating the device to interested customers while security kept a close eye at the store's entranceway and kept traffic moving.

Also at the mall:

Two new shops are opening. Francesca’s Collections opened recently, set between the Pottery Barn and Children's Place. The store is the chain's first Long Island location and offers women's clothing, accessories and gifts.

The second, which is scheduled to open May 1, is Brighton Collectibles, which specializes in accessories, from wallets to sunglasses, handbags, belts, lipstick cases and footwear. The 1,200 square-foot store will be located across from Bloomingdale’s.

They are among the mall stores looking to hire.

Also at the mall:

California Pizza Kitchen continues its community efforts through the end of March. It will donate 20% of sales from charitable group events held at the restaurant.

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Saks Fifth Avenue is offering a "pre-prom party" starting Monday. Shoppers can try on dresses enjoy the music of a live DJ and learn all the pro tips from our in-house make-up artists and hair stylists.  There's a chance to win a six-hour Ultimate Class Limo certificate and Saks Spa and Salon gift basket. The event runs through March 20. The high school that brings in the most people during the March 19th event will win a $300 donation and a $200 Saks gift card (redeemable at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Walt Whitman Mall). For more information,  call 631-350-1203.