Leasing activity at Phoenix’s Metrocenter Mall is holding its own in 2013, with more than 55,000 SF of new leases completed since the start of the year and including the most recent major announcement — a 13,327 SF lease by Rainbow Shops, one of the fastest growing junior clothing retailers in the U.S.
Based in New York, Rainbow Shops offers clothing for juniors, plus sizes and children, as well as an extensive shoe collection. It will open its Metrocenter Mall location on Aug. 18. The retailer operates nine other locations in Arizona, and with sister brands 579 and Marianne operates more than 1,000 total locations in 37 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Rainbow is a growing, nationally known tenant that will add a fun new dimension to our mix of existing clothing stores, including Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears, Aéropostale and Charlotte Russe,” said Metrocenter Mall Senior Vice President of Leasing Anita Blackford. “We’re thrilled to welcome them.”
According to Blackford and Specialty Leasing Manager Jessica Theberge, the mall is in negotiations now with several other national fashion retailers, and hopes to welcome those companies to the mall later this year and into 2014.
Other new mall leases completed by Blackford and Theberge during second quarter include:
>> Denali Contemporary Furniture – 7,457 SF, opened in June.
>> Vision Mattress Depot – 4,320 SF, opening in 2Q 2013.
>> International Cancer Advocacy Network – 2,385 SF, opened in June.
>> Pop Shots Photo – 2,130 SF, opened in July.
>> All American Burger – 1,043 SF, opened in July.
>> Cinnabon – 774 SF renovation as new company prototype, opening by fourth quarter.
>> Jewelry World – 592 SF via in-line store and kiosk, opened in June.
These tenants join a 15,000 SF Ashley Furniture, 7,166 SF Scottsdale International Auto Museum and 1,002 SF Metrocenter Arcade, which all opened at Metrocenter Mall during 1Q 2013.
