Slot players at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino don’t have far to walk to enjoy the new Colonnade shops, but one doesn’t have to be a slots player to shop there.

    A Godiva Chocolatier, Swarovski crystal store, Fashions of The Colonnade and The Colonnade Marketplace provides 3,500 square feet of shopping for anyone looking to buy something special.

    “Right now most of the customers are people traveling and staying at the hotel or are here for business meetings,” said Jason Coleman, general manager of Arenas USA, Inc. “The shops have an appeal to a wide variety of customers.”

    The Godiva shop is the only one of its kind downstate — the closest is in the Christiana Mall. A selection of seasonal treats awaits customers as they walk in. Pecan pie and pumpkin pie truffles and milk chocolate cats and turkeys are included in the selection of Halloween and Thanksgiving treats.

    Christmas and Valentine’s Day will bring a whole new selection to choose from and there’s always a variety of drinks and chocolates for sale by the pound, Coleman said.

    “People come over for dessert after eating at the restaurants,” he said.

    Next to Godiva, the Marketplace offers a reasonably priced selection of snacks and drinks with plenty of Dover Downs memorabilia to take home.

    The Fashions of The Colonnade carries evening and casual sports wear for those looking for a new outfit. Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Lacoste and Rafaella are just a few of the brand names available. A selection of purses, bathing suits and skincare products are available for shoppers.
    Finally, high-end crystal-maker Swarovski provides a dazzling display of jewelry and collectibles.

    “The crystal is cut in Austria,” Coleman said.

    The hours of operation for the shops are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, extended to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday for all the shops except for the Marketplace that opens at 9 a.m. every day.

Email Melissa K. Steele at melissa.steele@doverpost.com.