The economy may be slow but Ross Park Mall still could draw a crowd of fashionistas this fall as the North Hills shopping center welcomes a string of new tenants selling upscale handbags, clothes, jewels and shoes.

Mall officials yesterday named still more retailers preparing to open up shop. Handbag purveyor Kate Spade will launch its first location in the region in early October, while women's clothing chain Juicy Couture, jean retailer Lucky Brand and children's clothier Janie and Jack will expand their presence in the market in openings over the next couple of months.

The announcements are the latest in a trickle of deals that mall owner Simon Property Group has been unveiling as it closes in on the October grand opening of the region's first Nordstrom department store. A few more tenants still may be announced this year, said Mike Gianoutsos, mall marketing director.

Retailers previously confirmed for the 1.2 million-square-foot mall include jeweler Tiffany & Co., clothing and outdoor store L.L. Bean, specialty tea chain Teavana, plus a mix of upscale brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, True Religion Jeans and Michael Kors. Most will open before Nordstrom, although L.L. Bean is scheduled for a November opening.

Making room for new arrivals has meant some turmoil at the mall for the past year or more as a number of existing tenants have moved, while others have closed.

Mall officials have responded to concerns the shopping center may be going a bit too high-end with the argument that they continue to offer affordable fashion, too. Existing mall anchors are Macy's, J.C. Penney and Sears.

In the Pittsburgh region, Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group also owns South Hills Village mall and Century III Mall.