JINS is coming to Valley Fair on August 31st

JINS is a Japanese eyewear company with 350 retail locations in Asia. They opened their first US store last year in San Francisco. San Jose gets the honor of being their 2nd location in the US. The 2,300 SQFT Valley Fair store features 960 different styles (all designed in Tokyo) and customers can receive their glasses in only 30 minutes. Prices are reasonable, starting at $60 for frames. 15 minute eye exams will be available as well.

This marks yet another instance of San Jose grabbing an international brand that not widely available in the US. Others include Warby Parker, Kit & Ace, Bonobos, Scotch & Soda, Halston, MUJI, David Yurman, Miu Miu, and many more.

JINS will be located on the second floor between Nordstrom and Old Navy.

Din Tai Fung now open at Valley Fair

The world-famous Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung has just opened their eagerly anticipated San Jose location. Now that it has been open for a couple weeks, you might not have to wait 4-5 hours to get a seat.

What's the big deal? This restaurant has some of the best soup dumplings you'll find anywhere around the globe. The Pork XLB dumpling is a mandatory order--thousands are sold every day, maybe tens of thousands in some locations. Each dumpling is made by hand and is filled with a hearty broth and savory treat.

The restaurant has been around since 1972 and has several locations throughout Asia. There are only four Din Tai Fung dumpling houses in the US: two in LA, one in Seattle, and now one in San Jose. It is a huge win that we scored this in the South Bay, they could have easily set up shop north of us.

The 8,200 SQFT restaurant is located on the main floor of Valley Fair underneath the Dining Terrace and can seat up to 200 people. If you are willing to brave the wait times, it is well worth experiencing.

Sources: SJ Economy News, FoodGal

Eastridge Shopping Center is celebrating their 45th anniversary tomorrow with new tenants and free events

The mall I frequented as a child is celebrated their 45th anniversary with some big events and new tenants. The biggest addition to their retail mix is H&M, which is opening a 24,000 SQFT store in the fall. A 6,800 SQFT Payless will open in June, Valliani Jewelers just opened in a larger space, and Gong Cha (boba shop) has just opened.

Tomorrow from 4-6pm, Eastridge will host a celebration in the Center Court with live music, free cake and ice cream, dance contests, and gift card giveaways. This summer they announced that they will host a Job Fair on June 9th from 1-3pm featuring local non-profits, a dance break with DJ music every Friday from 4-6pm, free fitness classes, and a concert series. For more details, please read the press release below or head over to the Eastridge Center website.

San Jose, Calif. – Eastridge Center (http://www.eastridgecenter.com) located in eastern San Jose, is celebrating 45 years by welcoming new tenants, launching a Summer Event series and hosting a Free Anniversary Celebration on May 27. Eastridge is a major regional destination with more than 150 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in the thriving Silicon Valley market.

“Eastridge has been hosting friends and families for 45 years as they make memories at our entertainment, dining and retail destinations,” said Eastridge Center’s General Manager John Petersen. “Now it’s our turn to give back with a free anniversary celebration and summer event series that will include valuable job fairs, enriching health and wellness activities and entertainment for local families.”

Anniversary Celebration

May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m., Eastridge Center will host a free anniversary celebration in Center Court. Guests can enjoy a live DJ and music, complimentary cake and ice cream, dance contests and activities as well as gift card giveaways and retailer prizes.

Summer Event Series

This summer Eastridge Center will host a number of events including:

• Community Job Fair on June 9th in Center Court from 1-3 p.m. featuring local non-profits, trade schools and opportunities for people to receive valuable job training and networking with area companies seeking applicants.
• Dance Break Friday: Every Friday in May, June and July, guests can enjoy Friday Night – DJ Night with complementary tunes, dance contests and giveaways with local DJs performing from 4-6 p.m.
• Fitness Fridays: San Jose can get fit for free at Eastridge Center this summer. Guests will enjoy free fitness classes in center court with local health and wellness professionals on Fridays in July, August, and September. Pre-registration not needed, simply show-up in comfortable clothes and shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.
• July Summer Concert Series – featuring a number of local performers throughout the month of July offering fresh free musical performances for Eastridge guests. Check http://www.eastridgecenter.com for full schedule of July performances a month prior.

Grand Openings, Relocations and New Tenants

• Valliani Jewelers hosted a grand opening this month for its new larger space in a prime location across from Best Buy next to Center Court. The popular jeweler features the latest styles and accessories for spring and summer.
• Gong Cha Tea and Beverages is a new Eastridge Center restaurateur opening in the Food Court this month. Gong Cha offers popular bubble tea, coffee, juices and other custom beverages.
• Payless Superstore is opening in June in a 6,800-square foot space and will offer an expanded collection of footwear and accessories for all ages and styles.
• H&M, offering fast-fashion clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women, teenagers and children, is anticipated to open fall of 2016 in a 24,000-square foot space.

Eastridge is a two-story, enclosed super regional mall set on 113 acres in eastern San Jose bounded by Tully Road, East Capitol Expressway and Quimby Road. Among the center’s distinctive mix of retail, restaurant and entertainment destinations are a 15-screen AMC Theaters, Round 1 Bowling and Amusement, Barnes & Noble, JCPenney, Macy’s, Sears, Forever 21, Tilly’s, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Chili’s, Red Robin and Olive Garden.

To learn more visit http://www.eastridgecenter.com or its social media accounts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastridgeCenter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eastridgecenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastridgecenter/

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About Eastridge Center
Eastridge Center is a 1.4 million square-foot shopping destination in eastern San Jose that features abundant shopping, dining and entertainment options. Featuring Macy’s, JCPenney, Sears, Barnes & Noble, Sport Chalet, Red Robin, and Chili’s, the long-standing center showcases 150 stores, an impressive 15-screen AMC Theatre and multiple restaurants. Highlights include Hollister Co., Tilly’s, Victoria’s Secret, crazy 8, Forever 21, a spacious Food Court and family restrooms. The grand Center Court offers two levels of shopping with superior store accessibility and visibility in between Tully Road, East Capitol Expressway, and Quimby Road in eastern San Jose, California. For more information, visit http://www.eastridgecenter.com

About Pacific Retail Capital Partners
Pacific Retail Capital Partners is a fully integrated, entrepreneurial organization with an unparalleled depth of knowledge in all aspects of retail real estate. Its team of executives and strategic partners draw on decades of experience with major national shopping center owners to deliver top-tier service as an operating partner and provide efficient oversight of the company’s own portfolio. Pacific Retail’s broad-based talent is versed in multiple disciplines from investment and development, which enables the company to quickly assess market opportunities, to management, leasing and marketing which allows it to effectively control costs and maintain the quality of its properties. Based in Southern California, the company operates nationally with a particular emphasis on large regional malls. Its investment and management portfolio includes the West Oaks Mall in Houston; Yorktown Center in suburban Chicago; Colonie Center outside Albany, New York; South Towne Center in Sandy, Utah; Queen Ka’ahumanu Center on Maui, Hawaii; and Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara, California. To learn more visit www.pacificretail.com

Eastridge Mall Gets Sold, Redevelopment Planned

Majority ownership of Eastridge Mall is moving from General Growth Properties to Pacific Retail Partners and Silverpeak Real Estate Partners. While those names likely don't mean much to you, the new owners are planning to revitalize the 1.4 million SQFT mall. They will be investing $15 million off the bat and have already announced that H&M is going to be one of the new tenants. The popular clothing store is going to take a 23,000 SQFT space in Eastridge, roughly the same size as the Santana Row location. You can also expect new paint, landscaping, signage and a revamped play area and food court.

In the SVBJ article, there is mention of bringing in an Asian grocer. I can see something like a 99 Ranch Market doing very well here.

The last Eastridge renovation was in 2007 and included a $140 million expansion. Currently the mall is 97.3% leased, which is a very strong number given that retail is slowly trending away from malls. The purchase also includes tons of developable land circling the mall. I'm sure that building on that extra property will only become more lucrative after the Bus Rapid Transit system running from Downtown San Jose to Eastridge is completed at the end of this year.

Source: SVBJ

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt Opened First Airport Location at SJC

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt has opened its first ever airport location at San Jose International Airport (SJC). They are known for a wide variety of rotating flavors and toppings. It is a self-service yogurt shop where you can load up on as many different kinds of yogurt and toppings as you'd like and then pay based on the weight at the end. Their Bay Area locations seem to be well reviewed on Yelp, and I'm pretty happy about finally having a Yogurt shop at SJC.

Menchie's is located in Terminal B near Gate 19 and will be open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. If you are not travelling any time soon, there is also another location in San Jose at Oakridge mall.

More Details on Valley Fair's $600M Expansion

Things are finally getting very real regarding the long-delayed Valley Fair expansion. Nathan Donato-Weinstein provided an in-depth look at the expansion last week in the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

The expansion will add 600,000 SQFT to the mall, making it the largest mall in Northern California by a significant margin. The cost will be $600M. To put that into perspective, that is about the same cost as the entire first phase of Santana Row.

The flagship addition to the mall is a 150,000 SQFT Bloomingdales--which is larger than the one in Stanford Shopping center. However, that won't be the only substantial improvement. There will be between 80 and 100 new stores, most of which will be unique retail not available today in Silicon Valley (or even San Francisco). You'll have new entertainment and service offerings including an ultra-luxury 10 screen movie theater and a massive fitness center. Parking will get easier with 4,200 new spaces, a direct connector to 880, and new available-spot guidance technology. Oh, and to make sure the mall looks consistent they are also going to renovate the older parts of the mall to look as slick as the expansion. The only thing that didn't make the cut was Neiman Marcus, but I think 99% of us will be okay with that.

The expansion will bring the whole mall closer to Santana Row and give it a respectable looking front entrance with an outdoor plaza (perhaps inspired by its aforementioned neighbor). The plaza includes restaurants with open-air seating and event space for fashion shows, book signings, and product launches. The project also requires the construction of new buildings for Bank of America and Chase.

As most of you probably know, the mall is split between San Jose and Santa Clara. Fortunately, most of the expansion will be on the San Jose side, meaning a huge boost in tax dollars for our city after the project is complete in November 2017 as well as more world class stores in our retail portfolio. While most urbanists are not big fans of malls, I think most of us can agree that this project is going to be good for our City.

Source: SVBJ

Din Tai Fung Coming to Valley Fair

World-famous dumpling house Din Tai Fung has chosen their first (and perhaps only) Bay Area location... and it's not in San Francisco. Din Tai Fung is opening a flagship 8,200 SQFT restaurant in Valley Fair (next to J. Crew). There are only five of these restaurants in the US, three in the LA area and two in Seattle. When the Seattle one opened up, the lines to get in there were three hours long.

This is yet another big win for Valley Fair, which like it's neighbor across the street is bringing in multiple world-class stores and restaurants. This is likely only the beginning since they are about to start on a $600 million expansion that will make it the largest mall in Northern California come 2017. The expansion includes a 150,000 SQFT Bloomingdales, an ultra-premium home store called Pirch, a luxury movie theater, and a Santana Row-style outdoor restaurant/lounge area.

Source: SVBJ

The New Eastridge 24 Hour Fitness Opens Today

The eagerly anticipated 24 Hour Fitness at Eastridge Mall is finally open. The huge 38,000 SQFT gym includes stat-of-the-art equipment, a U-shaped indoor pool, a sauna, and a steam room.

Come join the Grand Opening Celebration is today from 9am to 2pm and you can take a tour, participate in exercise class demonstrations, or get a personal health and fitness consultation. Additional details are in the press release below.

New 24 Hour Fitness® Eastridge Super-Sport Club Opens In
“The Silicon Valley Capital”

SAN JOSE, CA – March 19, 2015 – In the shadow of its San Ramon corporate headquarters, Eastridge Center will become home to a new 24 Hour Fitness club which opens to the public later this month, in the heart of the newly remodeled section of the lifestyle shopping mall. The community is invited to the official Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, March 28, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 2200 Eastridge Loop, Suite 1428, San Jose.

The new club’s knowledgeable staff springs into action on opening day sharing the benefits of functional fitness for prospective members—taking special note of the “Live, Work & Play,” message that defines the city of San Jose. Early birds will arrive first, eager to break in the new club’s state-of-the-art equipment and experience its amenities before the Grand Opening festivities officially begin.  During the Grand Opening itself, kids and families can explore the club and activities that enhance the ability to “live, work and play.”  Club tours, group exercise class demonstrations, including Zumba®, are scheduled throughout the day.  Guests are also encouraged to make an appointment for a personal health and fitness consultation—an enlightening and valuable ingredient to charting a successful fitness journey.

“Our Super-Sport will become a hub of fitness, health and wellness resources for San Jose residents where they live, shop and play,” said Tony Cigliutti, Club Manager.  “We’re thrilled with the opportunity to introduce our talented health and fitness team to the community and share how easy it is to incorporate fitness into everyday life.”

The new, modern club design features nearly 38,000 square feet of state-of-the-art equipment and amenities to help members stay active and healthy all year-round. Features include:

• A U-shaped indoor pool, sauna and steam room
• Cardio, strength and functional training equipment
• Full schedule of Cycle and Group X® classes
• Personal training services*
• Kids’ Club
• Towel service

To experience the new gym, download a free guest pass from 24hourfitness.com.

*Additional fees apply

About 24 Hour Fitness
Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is a leading health club industry pioneer, serving nearly 4 million members in more than 400 clubs across the U.S. For more than 30 years, the company has been dedicated to helping members change their lives and reach their individual fitness goals. With convenient club locations, personal training services, popular group exercise classes and a variety of strength, cardio and functional training equipment, 24 Hour Fitness offers fitness solutions for everyone.

New Farmers Market Coming to Westgate Center

Federal Realty is continuing to take concepts from their flagship property--Santana Row--and inject them into Westage Center. Instead of being a small mall, they are trying to turn it into much more of a community destination. The latest improvement to Westgate is a new weekly Saturday Farmer's Market run by the West Coast Farmers Market Association (same group that oversees the Cupertino, Carmel, and Half Moon Bay markets).

I'm really liking the direction Federal Realty is taking this shopping center! See the press release below for more information.

Seasonal produce, locally-baked treats and handcrafted, artisan goods offered every Saturday at the San Jose shopping center

San Jose, CA – Organic fruits and vegetables, specialty baked goods, prepared foods, handmade soaps, honey and glassware are among the vendors that will be setting up tables at Westgate Center beginning Saturday, March 21.

The shopping mall is launching its first farmers market, in association with the West Coast Farmers Market Association, which also oversees popular markets in Cupertino, Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay and Carmel.

Among the vendors and their wares:

• Cipponeri Farms - vegetables and strawberries
• Hamlow Ranches - stone fruit such as apricots and peaches
• Medina Berry Farm - blackberries, strawberries, blueberries
• Anguiano Farms (based in Santa Maria) - berries, avocado, other produce
• J&M Farms – organic greens
• Squash Blossom – baked goods
• Jenny Chu - baked goods
• Fish Princess – handmade soaps
• David Patrick Blown Glass

Details: The farmers market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday beginning March 21 in the center food court area next to Gong Cha.

Other events at Westgate Center:

Santa Clara Orchid Show and Sale, Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22
The Santa Clara Valley Orchid Society is showing and selling flowers from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on
Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Photos with the Easter Bunny, Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22; and March 28 through April 4.
It's picture time with spring’s favorite furry friend! The bunny is ready for his close-up from 11 a.m.
or noon to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. most days with breaks in the afternoon.
Please check www.ShopWestgateCenter.com for exact times, pricing and details.

Following an extensive $15 million renovation and the addition of new shops such as J. Crew Factory, Nike Factory Outlet and Gap Factory Outlet, restaurants such as Veggie Grill and a children’s soft play area, Westgate Center offers a convenient and dynamic shopping experience for the community.

About Westgate Center
Westgate Center, located in San Jose, California is a 645,000 square-foot community center offering a one-stop family destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Westgate Center features over 50 shops and restaurants and is anchored by Target, Nordstrom Rack, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Nike Factory Store, Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory, Michaels and Ross. Westgate Center is a property of Federal Realty Investment Trust www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit shopwestgatecenter.com.

About Federal Realty
Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, D.C. to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Founded in 1962, our mission is to deliver long term, sustainable growth through investing in densely populated, affluent communities where retail demand exceeds supply.  Our expertise includes creating urban, mixed-use neighborhoods like Santana Row in San Jose, California, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland and Assembly Row in Somerville, Massachusetts. These unique and vibrant environments that combine shopping, dining, living and working provide a destination experience valued by their respective communities.  Federal Realty’s 89 properties include over 2,600 tenants, in approximately 20.2 million square feet of retail space, and 1,500 residential units.

Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 47 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For additional information about Federal Realty and its properties, visit www.FederalRealty.com.

Valley Fair May Be Getting Upscale Movie Theater and Ultra-Premium Home Store

More details of Valley Fair's expansion and renovation are leaking out. Apparently Old Navy and Sports Authority are not high-end enough. The mall is planning to tear down both of these buildings along with a Chase Bank and build a new 86,000 SQFT addition with a ShowPlace ICON movie theater and Pirch home store. The Chase Bank will be rebuilt as a two-story freestanding building along Stevens Creek.

ShowPlace ICON is a high-end movie theater with a lounge that features a fancy menu and cocktails. Inside the screening rooms you'll find premium seating for those 21 and over, complete with over-sized loveseats. Tickets will likely be in the $20 range. There are only two ICON movie theaters in the US.

Pirch is an ultra-upscale home store where you can walk out with an oven that costs more than a fully-loaded Tesla. Upon entering the store they will give you complementary blackberry limeade and a spa robe so that you can test out their shower heads in the store itself. If Pirch gets built, it will be the first in all of Northern California.

For more details, hit the source link below.

Source: SVBJ

Bloomingdales Confirmed for Valley Fair

In 2008 there was an epic expansion plan for Valley Fair mall that included 500,000 SQFT of additional retail, including two new anchors: Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. Unfortunately, the great recession postponed those plans indefinitely. Now it looks like the Valley Fair expansion is about to restart. Last week when Macy's announced that it was closing its Valco store, it also announced that a 150,000 SQFT Bloomingdales is coming to Valley Fair and would employ 250 people. They even provided an expected opening date of fall 2017.

I can't find the original map that showed where the new stores would be, but can tell you that the original plan called for a third concourse in the highlighted area below. If they go by the previous plan, the expansion will also include 50 new stores, outdoor Santana Row-like dining areas, and 3,000 new parking spaces.

Source: The Merc

Halloween Happiness and Holiday Happenings Coming to Westgate Center

San Jose, CA – Family-friendly Westgate Center has a festive fall planned with events and incentives that invite shoppers to participate in activities and take advantage of offers that make the season a little more special.

No Tricks, Only Treats!
Saturday, Oct. 25, noon to 4 p.m.
Come for some spooky fun, trick-or-treating, music and more! Everyone is invited to a free family Halloween event at Westgate Center. Activities include trick-or-treating at participating stores, carnival games and treats with no tricks. Families can enter to win a four-pack of tickets to Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities, the latest creation from Cirque du Soleil. Guests will receive a free trick-or-treat bag and their first piece of candy at the registration table inside of the main entrance near Sushi Boat restaurant.

Activities during the event include live musical entertainment by Andy Z, Let’s Play in Spanish, The Dance Zone, balloon animals and pumpkin decorating. Mark the day by having Halloween photos taken for $10. The event is free and open to the public. Registration begins at noon.
Participating stores include Any Mountain, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chevy’s, Crazy 8, The Dance Zone, Ella, Gymboree, M Beauty, Michael’s, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, Party City, Ross, The Salon Professional Academy, Tuxedo Wearhouse and Willow Street Pizza.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town…and Westgate Center!
Saturday, November 22, 10:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.,
Ho Ho Ho! Westgate Center celebrates the arrival of Santa with a celebration that includes music and kid-centered activities. Santa’s arrival marks the first day of Santa photos, which continues until the week before Christmas. Festivities include live musical entertainment by Andy Z, The Dance Zone and more. Action Day Primary Plus will provide arts and entertainment. Kids will also be entertained by face painting, balloon animals and other surprises are in store. Guests will receive an informational card with special shopping and dining offers at the center.

Santa Photos at Westgate Center
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 22, guests are invited to take a picture with Santa every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and every day during week before Christmas. Photography services are provided by Ardent Impressions. Please visit ShopWestgateCenter.com for pricing and hours, which vary from day-to-day.


About Westgate Center
Westgate Center, located in San Jose, California is a 645,000 square-foot community center offering a one-stop family destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Westgate Center features over 50 shops and restaurants and is anchored by Target, Nordstrom Rack, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Nike Factory Store, Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory, Michaels and Ross. Westgate Center is a property of Federal Realty Investment Trust www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit shopwestgatecenter.com.

About Federal Realty
Federal Realty Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of high quality retail assets. Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contains approximately 20 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and California. In addition, the Trust has an ownership interest in approximately 1.0 million square feet of retail space through a joint venture in which the Trust has a 30% interest. Our operating portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) was 95.3% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of June 30, 2014, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.2% of annualized base rent. Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 47 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P MidCap 400 company and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT.

J. Crew Factory and Gap Factory Store Coming to Westgate

Federal Realty--same owner as Santana Row--has already done quite a bit to overhaul Westgate with a big remodel, new stores, and new restaurants. Now they are bringing two more anchor tenants: J.Crew Factory and the Gap Factory Store. Both will fact Saratoga Avenue and should be ready for business by Spring 2015.

Westgate will also be getting Carter's and Oshkosh B'Gosh in a combined store next to Target. For more info have a gander at the press release below.

San Jose, CA (August 8, 2014) – Federal Realty Investment Trust is bringing the outlet center, traditionally located in outlying areas, to the city with a strong mix of top discount stores.  J. Crew and Gap are among two retailers opening outlet stores in the revamped Westgate Center next year. They join Nike Factory Store, which opened in February, and Skechers Factory Outlet, which opened in July.

“This is a new direction for Westgate Center,” said Jeff Kreshek, Federal Realty’s vice president for West Coast Leasing. “Our customer is looking for quality, variety and diversity; a product mix that outlet shops combined with full price brands can deliver.”
Following an extensive $15 million renovation and the addition of shops such as Nike Factory Store, J. Crew Factory and Gap Factory Store, the center will provide an innovative, exciting and accessible experience for customers.

J. Crew Factory is scheduled to open in spring 2015. The approximately 5,750 square-foot store facing Saratoga Avenue will feature ready-to-wear pieces, boldly colored basics and casual classics for men and women. This family-friendly new addition will also feature “crewcuts,” the brand's coveted children's line offering "mini-me" looks in sizes 2 to 14.

Westgate Center has also scored a Gap Factory Store, scheduled to open in spring 2015. Gap Factory Store will be a 10,910 square-foot store fronting Saratoga Avenue next to Old Navy. In addition, Carter's and Oshkosh B'Gosh will open a combined 9,137 square-foot store facing Saratoga Avenue, next to Target.

“As anchor stores, both Gap Outlet and J. Crew Factory will drive more shoppers to Westgate Center,” said Kreshek. “Furthermore, the broad tenant mix, as well as the mall’s location on heavily-traveled Saratoga, Hamilton and Campbell avenues in San Jose provides convenience and top brands to the densely-populated surrounding communities.”

About Westgate Center
Westgate Center, located in San Jose, California is a 645,000 square-foot community center offering a one-stop family destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Westgate Center features over 50 shops and restaurants and is anchored by Target, Nordstrom Rack, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Nike Factory Store, Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory, Michaels and Ross. Westgate Center is a property of Federal Realty Investment Trust www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit shopwestgatecenter.com.

About Federal Realty
Federal Realty Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of high quality retail assets. Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contains approximately 20 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and California. In addition, the Trust has an ownership interest in approximately 1.0 million square feet of retail space through a joint venture in which the Trust has a 30% interest. Our operating portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) was 95.3% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of June 30, 2014, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.2% of annualized base rent. Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 47 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P MidCap 400 company and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT.

Westgate Expansion Has Broken Ground

Federal Realty (which also owns Santana Row) recently wrapped up a $15 million renovation at Westgate Center. Those upgrades were focused around improving existing space. However, they have just broken ground on another renovation project that will result in a new 14,400 SQFT retail building at the corner of Saratoga and West Campbell Avenue. This is where the RetroDome used to sit.

The new structure will have a Corner Bakery Cafe, Veggie Grill, Vitamin Shoppe, and Verizon Wireless. There is also room for a fifth tenant in the building. The Corner Bakery Cafe will be the first in San Jose. The only other Santa Clara County location is in Palo Alto. As for Veggie Grill, this is one of the hottest vegetarian restaurants on the West Coast. This will be their second Northern California location and the only other one is at Santana Row. I'm a complete carnivore and even I love this restaurant.

The project should be completed by fall. You can find the full release below.

Westgate Center Has Broken Ground Again

Offering New Retailers in Coveted Corner Spot

Four tenants signed: Corner Bakery Café, The Veggie Grill, Vitamin Shoppe and Verizon Wireless

San Jose, CA (Feb. 25, 2014) – Federal Realty Investment Trust, owners of Westgate Center, recently completed a $15 million major renovation transforming the 52-year-old mall into a one-stop destination offering family-friendly amenities and high quality retailers.

In an effort to continually improve and enhance the experience at Westgate Center, Federal Realty has announced that construction has begun on the center’s retail pad site located on the heavily traveled corner of Saratoga Avenue and West Campbell Avenue.  The ideal corner site will include the addition of four new tenants, including San Jose’s first Corner Bakery Café.

The new 14,400 sq.-foot retail building, in a highly visible spot near a popular shopping area, will also include The Veggie Grill, Vitamin Shoppe and Verizon Wireless, with space for a fifth yet-to-be-named tenant. Construction should to be completed in the fall.

Corner Bakery Café, known for its delectable Cinnamon Crème Coffee Cake and tasty meals, is opening this fall at Westgate Center.

The fast-casual restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers baked goods in a bright, family-friendly atmosphere. Prices range from 99 cents to $9.99 and choices include sandwiches, soups, pastas and breakfast specials. The menu also features kids’ selections, seasonal items, healthy fare and treats such as cookies, cakes and pies. The Westgate Center location will seat about 100 diners inside and 40 diners in an outdoor area. It is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Established in 1991, Corner Bakery Cafe was founded on a philosophy of creating a place for people to relax and gather with family and friends. For more information, go towww.cornerbakerycafe.com.

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The Veggie Grill, home of the popular “All Hail Kale” salad, serves healthy, light, vegetarian fare as well as gluten-free and soy-free items. Classic American favorites like soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches as well as creative dishes such as burritos, bowls and “Buffalo wings” are made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.

Named one of L.A.’s “can’t miss” cheap-eats by Los Angeles magazine and best vegetarian/vegan restaurant by the Orange County Register, The Veggie Grill is scheduled to open in the fall.

For more information, go to www.veggiegrill.com.

The Vitamin Shoppe, dedicated to helping people fulfill their health and wellness needs, is a specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products ranging from vitamins and minerals to nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition formulas, homeopathic remedies, and health and beauty aids. The store offers more than 18,000 items from 400-plus brands. The Vitamin Shoppe at Westgate is scheduled to open this fall. For more information, go to www.vitaminshoppe.com.

Verizon Wireless, the largest mobile network operator in the U.S., is opening a retail store at Westgate where customers can shop for wireless services as well as mobile phones and accessories. Verizon will open this fall. For more information, go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Westgate Center
Westgate Center, located in San Jose, California is a 645,000 square-foot community center offering a one-stop family destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Westgate Center features over 50 shops and restaurants and is anchored by Target, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory, Nordstrom Rack, Michaels, Any Mountain and Ross. Westgate Center is a property of Federal Realty Investment Trust www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit shopwestgatecenter.com.

About Federal Realty

Federal Realty Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of high quality retail assets. Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contains approximately 20 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and California. In addition, the Trust has an ownership interest in approximately 1.0 million square feet of retail space through a joint venture in which the Trust has a 30% interest. Our operating portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) was 95.8% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of December 31, 2013, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.5% of annualized base rent. Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 46 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P MidCap 400 company and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT.

Bowling Alley and 24 Hour Fitness Coming to Eastridge

Eastridge Mall is adding two new non-shopping tenants to spice up the retail mix. The first is an 18-lane Round1 bowling alley. This is a Japanese chain that is known for incorporating karaoke rooms, arcades, and billiards into their facilities. The Eastridge Round1 will be about 50,000 SQFT. The second tenant is a 24 Hour Fitness that will come in around 40,000 SQFT. Both of these will be located in the space formerly occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond and it looks like they are under construction right now.

Source: SVBJ, Hat-tip to Arnold Kwok

Lunar New Year Event @ Valley Fair this Saturday

Westfield Valley Fair is hosting a cultural event on February 8th in celebration of the lunar new year. The agenda includes Shanxi drummers, martial arts demonstrations, a traditional lion dance, and calligraphy. The kids will also be well served with craft tables, photo booths, and student art.

The event runs from 11am to 2pm at J. Crew Court and you can RSVP at their Facebook event page right over here.

Valley Fair Expansion and New Stores

It looks like that much talked about Valley Fair expansion originally detailed in 2009 is finally moving forward. The recession put a stop to Westfield's ambitious plans to add 650,000 SQFT of retail space, bringing the mall to over 2 million SQFT and making it far and away the largest mall in Northern California. In late October, Westfield applied for a building permit to build a 6-story, 1.4 million SQFT parking structure at the corner Monroe and Forest Avenue, which is presumably to prepare for it's expansion.

Inside the mall, they are continuing to shoot for higher-end retailers. In 2014, Giorgio Armani will be opening a store. Exclusive brands like Rabeanco, Miu Miu, Prada, David Yurman, and Ferragamo have already opened up shop. Others like Banana Republic and Brookstone are upgrading to flagship stores. They even remodeled what was already a pretty nice food court to better cater towards shoppers with expensive tastes. It will be really interesting to see what this mall ends up looking like after the next few years.

Source: Anonymous Poster, SVBJ

The new Prada store at Valley Fair

Halston Coming to Valley Fair

Valley Fair is about to get one of the very first Halston retail stores. This particular designer is known for "retro" styles based in the '60s and '70s. What makes this significant is that there are only two Halston Heritage standalone stores in existence, one in New York City and the other in Los Angeles. This would make San Jose it's third location and the only announced store for Northern California.

Valley Fair is turning into a destination for these exclusive hard-to-find brands. It's days as a typical suburban mall are numbered, especially with their future expansion that will bring many more unique brands, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and a Santana Row-ish outdoor area.

Source: SVBJ

Oakridge is Going Country!

Well, it looks like a huge, HUGE, country-themed restaurant will be coming to Oakridge Mall. "Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill" is going to take up a massive 17,594 SQFT, and I would be surprised if there wasn't a commensurate amount of outdoor seating to go along with it. This is a venue known for hosting country music events (hope our events are like the photo below), large guitar-shaped bars, and of course Southern food.

The new restaurant replaces at least five stores: Mainland Skate, Radio Shack, Merkerro Fashions, PacSun, and Cutegirl.com. I wonder if they are planning to go the Santana Row route and increase the ratio of restaurants to retail.

There also appears to be a rumor that the Apple Store will be moving to a newer larger space soon. This would be great news since the only Apple Store in San Jose-proper is also the smallest one I have ever seen (the Valley Fair store is technically in Santa Clara).

Source(s): Hat tip to Sergio Oliveri (shout out to Little Italy San Jose), JAB88, Kennethh

David Yurman Flagship Store Coming to Valley Fair

A high-end luxury jeweler has decided to open their first Bay Area store in the South Bay. This is significant, considering that San Francisco has typically been the "go-to" for retailer's premier stores in the Bay. David Yurmman is actually joining a list of several others, mainly in Santana Row, that have deciding to make Silicon Valley their initial stop in expanding to Northern California. These include St. Croix, Hastens, and the Tesla Store.

In addition to David Yurman, Valley fair is also remodeling its luxury wing and is getting new stores such as Burberry, TAG Heuer, and Wolford. At some point in the future they are still planning to do a 500,000 sqft expansion which will add a second luxury wing with Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and better outdoor alignment with Santana Row.

Source: SJBJ