Throggs Neck merchants are casting a wary eye on the new nearby Throggs Neck Shopping Center, set to open later this summer.
They’re wondering just how well they’ll be able to co-exist with national and retail tenants drawing shoppers.
That draw will include 600 secure parking spaces, while local Throggs Neck shoppers have to deal with parking meters and traffic enforcement agents.
Mall developer Simone Development just announced that 75% of the 285,000 square feet of space on two levels in the new mall at Lafayette Avenue and the Hutchinson River Parkway has been leased to local, regional, and national retailers, with open on track for a “back-to-school” season opening.
‘Robust demand’
“The continued leasing velocity we’re seeing at Throggs Neck Shopping Center demonstrates the robust demand for quality retail space in the Bronx,” said Joseph Simone, president of Simone Development. “National tenants, as well as the best local retailers, have been eager to open their doors here, and we’re rapidly filling the remaining space. Upon complete lease-up, approximately 30 retailers and restaurants are expected to make up the tenant roster.”
Locals may be familiar with local and regional businesses such as MetroOptics, an eyewear chain opening its fourth Bronx location at the new mall.
Other regional businesses moving in include Dr.’s Express, Bev-Mart Discount Wine & Spirits, Shinn Hair Weaving and NXT Vitamins.
With a Target the main anchor store, other national chains will include TJ Maxx, Petco, Famous Footwear, Skechers, Sleepy’s, VivaMovil by Jennifer Lopez, Applebee’s, Subway, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and Sarku Asian Restaurant.
The developers said they are also now in talks with a variety store, bank, sporting goods store, and several additional clothing retailers,
Merchants optimistic
Taking an optimistic view, Steve Kaufman, president of the Throggs Neck Merchants Association, said that he hoped the new shopping center would bring people to the E. Tremont Avenue shopping corridor.
“We hope that people who go to this shopping mall will stop in our neighborhood, eat at our restaurants, and patronize our merchants” said Kaufman.
“We hope that they are going to be good neighbors,” he said of the mall. “They are coming into the neighborhood. It can’t be stopped.”
Kaufman was upbeat about the merchants’ annual street fair on Saturday, May 17, along E. Tremont Avenue between Miles and LaSalle avenues.
