Big news on the retail front: Off-price retailer A.J. Wright will open Thursday at Ridgewater Plaza (Highland and Ridge avenues, Columbia Township) in the former Circuit City space.

A.J. Wright, owned by TJX Cos., which also operates 759 TJMaxx stores, 686 Marshalls and 194 HomeGoods in the United States, focuses on moderately priced brand name fashions, footwear and accessories; plus sizes for women; big and tall for men, and home fashions at prices they say are up to 70 percent less than other national chains. Merchandise arrives on the floor daily.

Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Fashion Benefits

The Emerald and Diamond black-tie gala featuring the 47th annual Ebony Fashion Fair, the world's largest traveling fashion show, will be Nov. 12 at the Hyatt Regency ballroom, downtown.

Tickets: $100. Proceeds will benefit Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Youth Injury Prevention Program and the Links Inc.

(513) 841-2444.

Introduction

Cincinnati's very own Totes has come out with an array of new products in time for the big giving season. A bright red poodle scarf ($30) with matching Isotoner gloves ($20) in soft-to-the-touch 100 percent wool, and super-comfy slippers ($20) with more Parisian poodles and even a Vespa riding glamour puss. The clip and go "brella" ($22) comes in leopard, shop girls and poodle parade and lots and lots of luscious colors to pop into your purse.

Information: www.totes-isotoner.com;

(513) 564-0700.

Contact Marilyn Bauer by fax: (513) 768-8330; e-mail mbauer@enquirer.com