June 5, 2009 -- FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS, Md. - Friendship Heights just got a little more shopper-friendly after opening three new stores, and there is more to come.

Shoppers lined up at the new Sephora store. The high-end beauty store is one of the three new shops to open Friday at Wisconsin Place. "Oh, it's just beautiful! It's open and it's new--everybody likes new!" said Rose Jones, NE resident.

MAC, a make-up and skincare store and Giggle, a baby shop, also opened. The development at the corner of Wisconsin and Western Avenues on the D.C.-Maryland border is now nearly complete.

"Sometimes I go meet friends but we go to Georgetown, but now I was just thinking, we'll come and stay here because we have all the stores we like," said Ruth Laskowski, a Reston resident.

Long-standing Mazza Gallerie and Chevy Chase Pavilion sit across from the Wisconsin Place. Bloomingdales has anchored the center for nearly two years. Some of the newer stores say construction has kept business somewhat slow.

At luxury shoe store Cole Haan, managers are welcoming their new neighbors with open arms and cash registers.

"New stores means new clients and it means the opportunity to make more money and to have new people come and experience our brand," said Norman Clark, Cole Haan manager.

Besides increased foot traffic from the new shops, businesses are counting on the Friendship Heights Metro Station right out front to whisk shoppers to the hungry retailers.

"To have it right in front of us is good because it's easy to get to," said Jim Gatto, Giggle manager in training

The Capital Grill and Tasting Room restaurants are expected to open a store by the end of the year, and a Whole Foods grocery store is due to open next spring.