Arlington's Hottest New Retail Concepts Target Millennials
Announced today at ICSC RECon in Vegas, Arlington's Ballston Common Mall will now officially go by Ballston Quarter. It's part of a bold strategy to reinvent the outdated mall, and make it a magnet for Millennials. Ballston BID president Tina Leone (third from left with team members Allie Kraft, Catherine Roper and Samantha Baker) tells us Ballston will go from a closed-in traditional shopping center to 365k SF of open space on four levels. The retail will also be upgraded and more diverse with a mix of national chains and independent shops. The team's also working with the mall to get space for a retail incubator so that entrepreneurs can test their products. Macy’s, Regal Cinema, Sport & Health Club, and Kettler Capitals Iceplex will remain. The transformation of the mall will be a huge game changer for Wilson Boulevard, Tina says.
Arlington is touting its Millennial population as "young, hip and hungry" as a draw for new retailers at ICSC RECon, says Arlington Economic Development business investment director Christina Winn. The economic development team wants to bring in unique grocers, fashion retailers and more entertainment and lifestyle options.
Target also officially announced last week that it will open an urban store called Target Express in Rosslyn in the fall. It’s a push by the chain to reach affluent city centers and the plan is to tweak merchandise based on demand. (Another similar concept is opening in College Park.) Rosslyn BID president Mary-Claire Burick says space in Rosslyn is filling fast (12 openings and signed leases in the last year) and the area has about 40k SF of retail space to fill. (Another 41k SF of additional space will be added when Central Place opens.) Rosslyn has seen several restaurants open, including Bistro 360 and Heavy Seas Alehouse (pictured). But the BID team would love to see a full-service, chef-inspired dining option.
Crystal City BID is also on the hunt for more creative retailers. BID president Angela Fox and her team have had a laser focus on building an entrepreneurial, innovative community in Crystal City, she tells us. TechShop (pictured) has been a huge draw for the Arlington neighborhood, she says. The 21k SF maker space is tucked among the popular restaurants and shops lining a busy street through Crystal City and is often bustling with entrepreneurs and inventors. We’re thrilled Arlington Economic Development, Rosslyn BID, Ballston BID, and Crystal City BID are our Public Sector Sponsors at the Bisnow Beltway Bash tonight at 5:30pm at the Wynn’s Tryst Nightclub during ICSC RECon. Please register here!
