By WKTV Staff
This year will be big year for Woodland Mall, with major retailers Von Maur and REI moving in, a unique restaurant opening its doors, and a general “new feel” for shoppers coming to the mall.
“As the Woodland Mall continues their redevelopment there are many new stores coming and renovation of some of the existing stores, which gives Woodland Mall a whole new feel,” Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said to WKTV. “With Von Maur and other new stores coming in 2019, Woodland Mall is the place to shop in Kentwood.”
This week, Woodland Mall management gave an update as to the status of the redevelopment and there is good news all-round — including an on-schedule opening of Von Maur in an entirely new wing of the mall, an earlier-than-anticipated opening of West Michigan’s first REI recreation gear retailer, and several new stores already opened or renovated.
“We have been hard at work diversifying the retail mix at Woodland Mall and investing in ways to continue to create a premium shopping experience,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said in supplied material. “We’ve had several new stores open since renovations began in the summer of 2017, and there are several more on the way, along with new programs and events throughout 2019.
“As our major redevelopment project continues through this fall, we are so excited to share our transformation with the community,” she said.
Retailer Von Maur, which will occupy 90,000 square feet in the former Sears space, is on schedule for an October 2019 opening. The location will be the high-end department store’s first in the region, as the Iowa-based store expands “its footprint across the U.S. with larger stores and new brands,” according to supplied information. “The strength of the Von Maur brand lies in its wide selection of brand-name merchandise, open and attractive store design, amenities that enhance the customer experience.” Von Maur’s customer experience includes free gift-wrapping year-round.
In 2019, shoppers can also anticipate the opening of REI, Urban Outfitters, A’Beautiful Soul, Bath & Body Works’ White Barn Shop, Black Rock Bar & Grill and more.
The opening of West Michigan’s first REI store is anticipated ahead of schedule this summer. Its 20,000 square-foot location will carry gear and clothing for activities including paddling, biking and running. Additionally, the recreation gear retailer will host workshops focused on outdoor recreation.
Also this summer, the mall plans a grand opening of Black Rock Bar & Grill in the expanded Von Maur wing. The first-to-market restaurant, according to supplied information, offers an experience in which guests sear their selection of meat or seafood on hot volcanic granite directly at their tables.
Woodland has scheduled numerous community events and programs planned all year long. Early in 2019, the mall will offer events such as a Mad Hatter tea party, photos with the Easter Bunny, employment expos, vehicle showcases and parties geared toward children, according to supplied material.
Later in the year, shoppers can look forward to family pet photos with Santa, Santa Fest, a Winter Princess Party and more. A new play area is also in the works.
