The region’s leading luxury retail center, Scottsdale Fashion Square, is taking new steps to enhance its shopper experience. Today Macerich (NYSE: MAC)—one of the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of one-of-a-kind retail and mixed-use properties in top markets—announced a new enhancement project that will elevate the central gathering space known as the Palm Court.
DEEPER DIVE: Here are the 10 coolest offices in Arizona for 2025
LOCAL NEWS: 10 things you may not know are manufactured in Arizona
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here
The Palm Court is the hub of activity within the center and a popular location for community events, fashion shows and numerous fast casual dining options.
The enhancement project is part of Macerich’s long-term strategy, as well as the center’s own history, of continually reinvesting in irreplaceable retail destinations. Enhancements planned for the Palm Court reinforce the center’s continual efforts to cater to shoppers and retailers alike. A refreshed entry experience will seamlessly blend a sophisticated, modern design motif with Scottsdale Fashion Square’s signature luxury aesthetic. The project will improve storefront visibility for retailers while creating a brighter, more open environment with raised ceilings and improved sightlines.
Lush landscaping and upgraded finishes throughout the Palm Court will encompass inviting new seating areas, updated flooring and lighting, while expanded restrooms and refreshed dining spaces will provide added comfort and convenience for shoppers. Other highlights include the installation of a dynamic three-sided digital display, bringing vibrant energy and a striking visual centerpiece to Scottsdale Fashion Square’s central court.
The renovation will also enhance culinary options for shoppers by adding Edo Japanese Grill, which serves a variety of Japanese-inspired teppanyaki meals including teriyaki and poke bowls, bento boxes, noodle dishes, sushi rolls and boba. The new restaurant complements the existing selection of Mexican, Chinese and American options.
“Scottsdale Fashion Square is a consistent leader in our portfolio and we’re committed to continuing to raise the bar for shoppers and retailers alike,” said Kim Choukalas, Senior Vice President, Leasing for Macerich. “While our mix of market-exclusive retailers and top-performing brands continues to draw shoppers to the center, we recognize that an important part of the experience is having a comfortable place to congregate, engage with community programming and pause for a refreshing break. This project fully addresses all of those needs while further elevating the ambiance within the Valley’s favorite shopping center.”
Construction is slated to begin in January 2026, following the holiday season, and is expected to be completed before the 2026 holiday season. Restaurants and retailers will continue operating as usual throughout the project and the impact on shoppers is expected to be minimal.
This latest effort follows two previous luxury interior renovation projects, including the original luxury wing that debuted at Scottsdale Fashion Square in November 2018, which is anchored by Neiman Marcus and successfully attracted an enviable collection of new-to-market, pure luxury retailers and restaurants including Dior, Saint Laurent and Nobu.
In 2022, the shopping center announced an upgrade that extended the luxury experience into the center’s south wing and introduced a multi-lane luxury valet service along with reimagined space for up to five upscale culinary concepts. These destination restaurants include Élephante (now open), Catch (now open), Society Swan (set to open in October), Teleferic Barcelona (opening this winter) and Din Tai Fung (opening in 2026).
Macerich’s retail real estate credentials in Arizona are unparalleled: The company dominates the retail landscape in Arizona with seven regional shopping centers in the Phoenix metro area. In all, Macerich’s Arizona portfolio comprises over 7 million square feet and includes the most iconic and high-performing retail properties in the Southwest, including Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center and Kierland Commons, in addition to Scottsdale Fashion Square. These centers and their retail stores employ thousands of people and generate millions of dollars of revenues for their communities.
