The Samanea New York mall in Westbury is about to get a major upgrade! But is it enough to revive this once-struggling shopping center? Three new stores are coming, and they're not your typical retail outlets. This move is part of a bold strategy to transform the mall into a vibrant 'lifestyle destination.'
The mall's owner has invested $30 million in a 2021 renovation, aiming to breathe new life into the property, formerly known as The Mall at the Source. And the results are promising—the occupancy rate has climbed to 76%. But here's where it gets interesting: the focus is not on traditional retail but on experiences.
By spring, you'll find NY Axe, an ax-throwing range, Ichiddo Ramen, a ramen eatery, and Crazy Hot Deals, a discounter with a twist. These tenants join a growing list of experiential offerings, including laser tag, rock climbing, miniature golf, and indoor pickleball courts. It's a unique approach to attract visitors seeking more than just shopping.
The mall's director of real estate, Dominic Coluccio, explains their vision: "We wanted to create a destination where people can enjoy a variety of experiences." This strategy seems to be working, with the mall now boasting a 750,000-square-foot space and a diverse range of tenants.
However, the mall's history hasn't been without challenges. Built in 1996 for $200 million, it faced a significant decline when one of its main department stores closed in 2009. Lesso Group Holdings Ltd., the current owner, acquired the property in 2017 and has been working on its transformation ever since.
Crazy Hot Deals stands out as one of the few clothing retailers in the mall. Fadi Essa, co-owner of the chain, reveals their unique business model—selling discounted merchandise returned to Amazon and other retailers. This store's relocation to Samanea New York offers a larger space and a new chapter in their journey.
The struggle with vacancies is not unique to this mall. Data shows that vacancy rates for shopping malls and open-air centers have been on the rise across Long Island and nationwide. To combat this, many malls are embracing experiential tenants, as David Caputo from Moody's Analytics points out. These experiences attract a younger crowd and encourage longer visits, benefiting nearby retailers.
Samanea New York's transformation is evident. In 2021, it had only six tenants, but now it's home to 36, including a rock-climbing gym, an escape room, an indoor golf simulator, and even a trapeze school! Matt Mullen, owner of Empire Adventure Park, praises the mall's evolution, stating that his business is thriving as a destination for families.
The mall's evolution continues with the relocation of Let's Craft, an arts and crafts studio, to a larger space. Owner Karrie Anne Vitti shares her optimism, noting increased bookings for workshops and parties. However, she also highlights the desire for more diverse restaurant options and foot traffic, which could be addressed by attracting more retailers.
As the mall continues to reinvent itself, the question remains: will this unique mix of experiences be enough to secure its long-term success? What do you think about this approach to mall revitalization? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
