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Brian Bolke of Dallas' Forty Five Ten boutique steps down as president

Forty Five Ten co-founder Brian Bolke.

Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Brian Bolke, the co-founder of luxury boutique Forty Five Ten, is stepping down from his role as president of the company and will serve as a consultant. His last day was August 11.

Bolke announced the news in an email he sent to friends and colleagues, stating that the store was the greatest source of pride in his life.

"There is no press release other than this note to my friends and colleagues," his email said. "Whether you have made things for us, written about us, celebrated with us, or simply supported Forty Five Ten in your own way, I am grateful for the relationships I've made over the years. You have been an important part of this journey - thank you."

Bolke co-founded Forty Five Ten at 4510 McKinney Ave. in 2000, along with Bill Mackin and Shelly Musselman, who died in 2011. The company was sold three years ago to the Headington Companies, which owns the Joule Dallas hotel.

Bolke oversaw the store's relocation to downtown Dallas, where it opened with lots of fanfare in 2016; as well as its expansion to Houston and to Yountville, California, with a small, 865-square-foot store in the Napa Valley. Forty Five Ten also opened a home store in the original McKinney Avenue location called For Home, and a women's boutique at Highland Park Village called TTH Forty Five Ten.

Bolke leaves behind what he called "a world-class team" that includes Taylor Tomasi Hill, vice president of creative and women's fashion director; men's fashion director Nick Wooster; and Rob Dailey, home creative director.

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Shoe News

2 new shops join lineup at Firewheel Town Center in Garland

Vans

Vans shoes

Two new retailers are joining the lineup at Firewheel Town Center, the outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Garland on the corner of the President George Bush Tollway and HW 78.

Both sell shoes.

Vans: Vans is a brand of footwear, apparel, and accessories known for its association with skate and street culture. They feature a signature waffle rubber sole for grip and durability, and often a minimalist, canvas upper for breathability and comfort.

Founded in southern California in 1966, Vans champions authenticity, creativity, and a rebellious spirit, and is popular among skaters, artists, musicians, and young people globally.

There are currently eight Vans locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area including NorthPark, Galleria Dallas, Mesquite, Allen Outlet Mall, Stonebriar in Frisco, Grand Prairie Outlet Mall, Grapevine Mills, Arlington, Northeast Mall in Hurst, Tanger Outlets Mall in Fort Worth, and Hulen Mall in Fort Worth.

The Firewheel location will open in November 2025, located next to Buckle.

Tradehome Shoes: For more than 100 years, Midwestern shoppers have relied on Tradehome Shoes for their footwear. They offer a complete line-up of footwear for everyone and for every need, with brand names like Adidas, New Balance, Dansko, Minnetonka Moccasin, and Steve Madden.

Their name originated from the idea of "Trading-at-Home," encouraging shoppers to support (trade) in their local communities (home). Based in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, just southeast of Minneapolis, they're 100 percent employee-owned, and have impact programs like giving shoes to schools.

They also sell some clothing and accessories, from hats and T-shirts to hoodies and sweatshirts, mostly for training, lounging, or everyday wear.

There are currently three locations in the DFW area: Frisco, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

The Firewheel Town Center location is open now next to Old Navy, and will feature shoes for every season, occasion, and lifestyle, along with apparel from brands like RIVAL and UNRL.

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