Big-box retailers bound for shopping center

The company that owns the Green Acres Mall announced the first six retailers that will occupy the planned Green Acres Commons shopping center at a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 8.

Slated to open next fall are Ashley Furniture HomeStore, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Burlington Coat Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Five Below, a discount department store geared toward teens, according to Macerich Co., the mall’s owner, which said the site is 75 percent filled.

Two other retailers have also signed leases, but a Macerich spokesperson said they would be announced at a later date.

The company said in a news release that the new $83.7 million center and the additions of Century 21, set to open this fall, and the expanded H&M flagship store, already open, represent the company’s effort to make the location a bigger draw for the region.

“Our vision in placing the proven draw of big-box favorites right next to Green Acres Mall is to add to the appeal of the overall destination among the expanded trade area, which includes upscale suburban shoppers,” said Doug Healey, Macerich’s senior vice president for leasing. “The new offerings at Green Acres Commons, combined with the strong pull of Century 21 and H&M as well as the strategic enhancements to the mall itself, make Green Acres an increasingly important destination for retailers and shoppers.”

The planned center is a 335,000-square-foot, two-story complex that will occupy 20 acres next to the existing Green Acres Mall. It replaces the Sunrise Multiplex Cinemas, which was demolished in recent weeks. Macerich, which owns more than 50 shopping centers, bought the Green Acres Mall in 2012. It acquired the movie theater in 2013.

Macerich is also investing $79 million in improving the existing mall’s façade, adding new entrances, a new roof and interior improvements. That work is expected to continue for 15 years, the company said.