| Stark mall expansion advances
Proposed expansions to Westfield Belden Village mall would add 110,000 square feet for shops and restaurants as well as a two-story, 200-space parking deck. The mall's owner, the Westfield Group, based in Australia, received conditional approval for its plans in Jackson Township last month from the Stark County Regional Planning Commission. Westfield spokeswoman Katy Dickey said construction should begin 18 months to 24 months after final county approval. ``We're very excited to have that approval. That means the county is very supportive,'' Dickey said. Four buildings will be created in a village-like setting between Dillard's and Sears on the north side of the mall, facing Everhard Road. Two will be attached to the mall, but all will have exterior entrances.
Invest in community by shopping locally
That's the term economists give to the slow drip of money from Payson to Phoenix. Money that could be spent here, too often flows downhill to the Valley. It's a problem that most rural communities face -- especially with the advent of Internet shopping. The needs that were once supplied by the local general store can now be filled for less at the outlet mall, an hour away. But every time you buy into another town's economy by buying into the idea that you can't get it here, you are the source of a "leak." In front of the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, there's a sign that reads, "Be loyal, buy local. Shop Rim Country." It's the last thing most of us see before we leave town with our shopping lists, but how often has that sign stopped you from driving another 75 miles? We would guess, never.
Developer will guide Wizards stadium search
An experienced Kansas City retail developer announced on Wednesday it will guide the Kansas City Wizards' site search for a soccer-specific stadium. Owen Buckley, president of Lane4 Property Group Inc., said locations to be considered will include -- but won't be limited to -- the Bannister Mall area and adjacent Benjamin Plaza shopping center in south Kansas City. .
Savvy Shopper: New Gap designs on display and online
The Gap plans to jump on the designer bandwagon this week by launching limited-edition women's clothing available to shoppers online and at its flagship stores. Shoppers at Friendly Center, Four Seasons Town Centre and Hanes Mall won't see the designer styles. If you want to try them on in person, the Gap will offer these short-term collections at the Streets at Southpoint in Durham. Can't make the trip? You can still shop the collections, which become available Tuesday, at www.gap.com. The Gap, owned by the parent company of Banana Republic and Old Navy, has faced financial struggles in recent years while searching for an image more interesting than white T-shirts and khaki pants. Now, the classic clothier seems to be taking a cue from retailers such as H&M and Target, whose limited-edition lines have made waves with shoppers and sailed off shelves.
ETA Star unveils mall venture
Dubai: UAE property developer ETA Star has launched its first shopping mall in Dubai as part of a Dh1.5-billion mixed-use project in Business Bay. Starhill Towers & Gallery is a twin-tower waterfront development comprising freehold offices, a five-star hotel and a luxury shopping mall. The Starhill mall is being opened under a licensing and management contract with Malaysia's diversified YTL Corporation. YTL's Starhill mall in Kuala Lumpur's famous Bukit Bintang area houses about 100 top luxury brands. Construction work will begin in the third-quarter of 2007 and the project is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2010. Abid Junaid, executive director of ETA Star, said his group will launch similar boutique shopping malls both in the UAE and abroad.
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