If you haven’t been to West County Center recently, you may be missing your favorite retail destinations. “Last year we added a lot of new stores, and this year we have a couple of big ones coming in that people specifically requested,” says Sean C. Phillips, regional marketing director for CBL development company.
When West County Center closed in 2001, it was a one-level mall with 50 stores and two anchors. During its renovation, Phillips reports, “It was completely torn down and rebuilt to twice its size.” When it reopened Sept. 20, 2002, the mall had expanded to two full levels of stores and four anchors.
And it’s been evolving ever since. Responding to shopper feedback, the mall added several popular stores in 2013 and plans to install a few more this spring. “A lot of leases were up, so it gave us the opportunity to really look at which stores were there and decide if that space would be better for a more-requested tenant,” Phillips explains. The second St. Louis Michael Kors and Art of Shaving opened last year, along with the area’s second Geranium, a local boutique. “I think people are interested in supporting local business,” Phillips says. In May, Gap, Gap Kids and Banana Republic will join the center’s roster. “For us to finally be able to have the right space and the right time, our consumers are really excited to have those stores at the mall,” he says.
As West County Center has grown, it’s become a great place to shop with kids, Phillips says, and he should know: he has three of his own. Children’s stores such as Build A-Bear, Gymboree, Justice & Brothers and Naartjie Kids have been moved to the same region near the play area to relieve the burden of dragging kids across the entire mall. “From that perspective, I know I can just head to that area and get everything I need,” Phillips says. Especially exciting for young ones is the new Lego store, the only location in St. Louis. “It’s a really interactive store,” Phillips says. “You put the [Lego] box in front of this computer and it shows an image of what it looks like when it’s built. The technology in the store is top-notch.”
Refueling during a shopping spree has gotten tastier, too. In 2013, West County Center welcomed the area’s first Jamba Juice, a popular smoothie and juice shop. “We’re building Jamba Juice throughout the state of Missouri, and West County Center allowed us to be centrally located,” says managing owner Jerry Amsler. “That’s exciting for St. Louis consumers to have that locally and not have to travel out of town for their delicious smoothies,” Phillips says. And in May, the mall is getting a Chipotle in its food court.
Shoppers looking for a more substantial meal have several options in the restaurant village, where they’ll find J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant and Bravo! Cucina Italiana. “It’s a great place for dates,” Phillips says. “In May and September, we do a happy hour program where we have live music and the restaurants offer food and drink specials on the patios.”
Above all, its variety and convenience distinguish West County Center, Phillips says. “The tenant mix is so broad we’re able to have something for everyone. You can find everything you need just by making the one stop.”
Photo by Bill Barrett
[West County Center is located off Interstate 270 in Des Peres. For more information, call 314.288.2020 or visit shopwestcountycenter.com.]