Author Archives: Tony M

Established Cooperative Health Food Store Opening in July 2019 at Mississippi’s Popular Shopping Destination

RIDGELAND, Miss. (May 23, 2019) – Northpark in Ridgeland, Mississippi, announced today that Rainbow Co-op will be the newest addition to the region’s popular shopping destination. Combining the shared vision and mission of Rainbow Co-op’s Board of Directors, shareholders, and the Community Development Department in Ridgeland, the well-known health food cooperative will continue its nearly 40 year legacy at Northpark’s southeast entrance near Med Grille. The new location was selected for its accessibility, foot traffic, and abundant natural lighting.

“To welcome a store such as Rainbow Co-op is amazing. The distinction and local product-mix is a win-win for Northpark and the community as a whole,” states Northpark General Manager, Kasey Dickson.

The new store will focus on a curated inventory, concentrating on specialty items such as hard-to-find herbs, spices, supplements, coffees and teas, as well as a selection of popular “by-the-pound” items such as beans, rice, and flour. Rainbow Co-op will continue to offer popular natural grocery and beauty items. There will be a community meeting for shareholders to discuss the changes on June 30th, and a soft opening is planned for July. The Grand Opening Celebration date and associated programming elements will be announced in late June.

Northpark, managed by Pacific Retail Capital Partners, completed a multi-million dollar redevelopment in November of 2018. Poised for ongoing growth, Northpark will continue to expand its tenant mix in the coming months.

To learn more about Rainbow Co-op on follow social media at:

Facebook: RainbowCoop

Instagram: @Rainbow_Coop

Twitter: @RainbowCoop

Premier Movie Theater Group Opening in Fall 2019 at Mississippi’s Popular Shopping Destination RIDGELAND, MS. (May 17, 2019) – Northpark in Ridgeland, Mississippi announced today that B&B Theatres will be the newest addition to the region’s popular shopping destination. Northpark, managed by Pacific Retail Capital Partners, completed a multi-million dollar redevelopment in November of 2018. Poised for ongoing growth, Northpark continues to expand its tenant mix to include B&B Theatres, which operates 400 screens at 50 locations throughout the U.S., with the Ridgeland complex becoming the theater company’s second location in Mississippi.

“We are absolutely thrilled to introduce B&B Theatres to Ridgeland,” states Northpark General Manager, Kasey Dickson. “This is the next step of our journey after completing the first phase of redevelopment. B&B Theatres’ cutting-edge vision and contemporary design will complement The New Northpark perfectly,
providing an entertainment experience that is unique to the area.” Located at 250 Ring Road in Ridgeland, MS, B&B Theatres’ acquisition of the former Regal Cinema will include a complete redevelopment of the property. The auditoriums, lobby, restrooms, and concession area will be fully revitalized, with new, state-of-the-art screens, seating, carpet, paint, countertops and signage. An all-new exterior façade will be constructed in addition to a freshly resurfaced parking lot. B&B Theatres will introduce multiple amenities designed to enhance the movie-going experience. The addition of Marquee Bar, a full-service bar, will allow guests 21 and over to enjoy a beer, wine, or cocktail with friends before the show or bring into the auditorium during the movie. Marquee Bar will be complemented by an adjacent lounge where guests can gather before or after the film to enjoy food from an extended, hot, made-to-order menu. Auditoriums will be outfitted with wide leather recliners that are heated and operated electronically, with guests having the benefit of reserving seats prior to the movie. The free Backstage Pass Loyalty Program will award guests for box office and concession stand purchases. B&B Theatres plans to announce additional unique and exciting entertainment elements closer to the Grand Opening celebration, which will be fall of 2019.

About B&B Theatres
B&B Theatres has been family owned and operated since 1924 when Elmer Bills Sr. opened a movie house in Salisbury, Missouri where the future Mrs. Bills played the piano for silent movies. During the company’s 95 years and four generations of family involvement, it has seen the coming of sound, color, Technicolor, stadium seating, multiplexes, recliners and digital cinema. B&B Theatres is the 6th largest theater chain in North America and operates 400 screens at 50 locations in Kansas, Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.

To learn more about B&B Theatres visit https://www.bbtheatres.com/.

LOS ANGELES, Ca. – (May 20, 2019) – Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) based in Los Angeles, CA was honored with several awards of distinction during the 2019 Global Awards sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). The ICSC Global Awards Program, held in Las Vegas at RECon, the world’s largest retail real estate convention, recognizes the retail real estate industry’s most innovative events, programs, and technologies that add value to shopping centers and companies across the country.

The shopping centers in the PRCP portfolio that utilized a myriad of resources to re-energize centers, drive traffic, increase sales and give back to their respective communities, and were recognized as a MAXI finalists include Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara, CA; Eastridge Center in San Jose, CA; The Shops at South Town in Sandy, UT; Galleria White Plains in White Plains, NY; Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL; and Northpark in Jackson, MS. “I have the distinct honor of collaborating with a talented group of people and companies to take Pacific Retail to the next level and create impressionable experiences for our guests, while continuing to push the envelope in the industry”, said Najla Kayyem, Senior Vice President of Marketing, who accepted the awards on behalf of PRCP.

Three Pacific Retail centers took home three MAXI awards – one gold and two silver awards – recognizing the properties’ programming as the best in class across all centers and companies in both the United States and Canada.

With the power of innovation, leadership, and teamwork, PRCP was the recipient of the following awards:

Gold MAXI Award in the category of Impact for shopping centers more than 500,001 square feet: Aloha Winter Rollerland – The Aloha Roller Rink was a staple of the San Jose, CA community from the 70s until 2014 when sadly, it shuttered. Eastridge Center, which was fully-renovated in 2018 and was once home to an ice rink through the 70s as well, is constantly evaluating experiences they can offer to the community. With a vacant Sports Chalet box and an approaching holiday 2018 season, they excitedly explored the idea of bringing the famed roller rink back as a holiday pop-up experience. The new Aloha Roller Rink opened at Eastridge with much success in November 2018 and – after an outstanding continued local response – will remain open for patrons to enjoy throughout 2019. Offering theme nights, free lessons, mommy and me events and more, this go-to destination offers the nostalgic community an updated classic while driving redevelopment awareness, center traffic, sales, and a healthy rent.

Silver MAXI Award in the category of Innovation for Shopping Centers more than 500,001 square feet: The Shops at South Town Murals – The Shops at South Town completed an interior renovation in 2017, however the exterior façade was left bare of improvements. With limited ownership funds, the team enacted a creative solution to involve their city council. Envisioning exterior blank walls as an opportunity to cultivate the arts, the team garnered the city’s partnership to fund a public art program. The $85,000 contribution began what is now an ongoing city-funded arts initiative. Activating walls with art created synergy between the center’s picturesque backdrop and the urban-meets-mountain renovation theme. Featuring three artists, the murals serve as a tangible touch point inspiring lasting community engagement.

Silver MAXI Award in the category of Revenue for Shopping Centers more than 500,001 square feet: Humana Partnership: Yorktown Center secured a multifaceted year-long partnership with national healthcare agency, Humana. The business development deal generated thousands of dollars in new revenue in 2018 totaling 30% of the business development budget. The partnership included onsite activations, advertising domination in Center Court, and sponsorship of the “Heart & Sole” center walking club. Humana activated Center Court with weekly events including fitness classes, seminars, health checks and games that added experiential value, traffic, and sales. The partnership proved extremely valuable to Humana who renewed the partnership for 2019.

“We are fortunate to not only have some of the most passionate and talented marketing people in the industry on our team, we also have an incredibly savvy group of investors who partner with us to execute these award-winning initiatives,” said Gary Karl, Chief Operating Officer for PRCP.

About Pacific Retail Capital Partners

Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) is one of the nation’s premier retail operating groups of large open-air centers and enclosed malls, with more than $1.8 billion in retail assets presently under management in the United States. Based in Southern California, PRCP provides end-to-end sourcing, assessment, underwriting, valuing, developing, and asset management of retail real estate with a proven track record of repositioning retail properties. PRCP strategically manages over 11 million square feet of regional malls and open-air lifestyle centers. The Executive team has over 150 years of collective real estate expertise with deep experience in leasing, marketing, operations, design, development, investment, and finance. With a keen focus on enhancing the value and quality of its growing portfolio, PRCP is dedicated to creating a unique, strategic vision for each property and exceeding the highest expectations of retail investors, retailers, and consumers. To learn more visit www.pacificretail.com or follow us on social media at:

Facebook: pacificretailcapitalpartners

Instagram: @PacificRetail

About ICSC

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is the world-wide trade association of the shopping center industry and serves the global retail real estate community. Their 70,000+ member network provides over 100 countries with invaluable resources, connections and industry insights, and work together to shape public policy. For more information about ICSC visit www.icsc.org.

The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory Wins Opportunity to Open Inside Northpark Eatery, with 6-Months Free Rent and a $50,000 Investment.

RIDGELAND, Miss – (December 17, 2018) – Northpark, Ridgeland’s only enclosed climate controlled shopping and dining destination, recently announced the first winner of its Taste For the Space^TM culinary event hosted at the beginning of December. The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory won an opportunity to open its dream restaurant inside the Eatery at Northpark, as well as 6 months free rent plus $50,000 to put toward their new space – a prize package worth $140K.

The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory specializes in a variety of quality meats, cheeses and toppings, bringing a new and unique concept to the greater Jackson area. Owner, Michael Joyner, fell in love with the idea in 2015 when his lifelong friend started the company. Since then, Michael has become the first franchisee owner and has extreme passion for what he describes as, “the perfect and simple concept – taking any food item from across the world and turning it into a stuffed baked potato.”

“Winning Taste for the Space gives me the chance to take my company to the next level while continuing to create and share my stuffed baked potato creations. The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory is a labor of love and proof that when you believe in something and work at it, the possibilities are endless.” Said Michael Joyner. “With my new establishment, I plan to put a smile on my customers’ faces and create an experience that will keep people coming back for more and plan to do what I do best – provide a variety of quality stuffed baked potatoes with unparalleled service.”

The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory served their signature dish called the “Trash Can Stuffed Baked Potato,” which includes seven different meats, cheeses, onions, BBQ sauce, chives and a blend of Moe’s Magic Dust seasonings.

“It was an exciting and energy filled competition between all 11 chefs, but The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory was the winner and had a unique concept that we know will thrive here at Northpark,” said Ruben Perez, executive vice president of leasing for Pacific Retail Capital Partners, the operating group for Northpark. “Taste for the Space, the first culinary and community event of its kind at Northpark, brought together the community to support its local culinary scene. Because of this event, there is an exciting possibility of having a few other contestants join the line up at Northpark.”

Taste for the Space, a family-friendly, community-focused culinary event, took place on Saturday, December 1st. This food festival and cooking competition brought together food trucks, local restaurateurs and chefs to showcase signature dishes to the local community, and share why their taste should win the space. The event also featured games, an interactive photo booth, kids’ activities, a vodka tasting station from Cathead Distillery, live entertainment and more. Taste for the Space was sponsored by Sysco Nourishing Neighbors, who generously provided all the food and paper products for the competing chefs on the day of the event, WLBT On Your Side, Parents and Kids Magazine, Super Talk Mississippi, and Cathead Distillery. More information about Northpark and the Taste for the Space winner can be found at visitnorthpark.com.

RIDGELAND, MS (October 23, 2018) – Northpark’s first public art project is officially underway with the commissioning of Jackson native and visual artist Douglas Panzone. Panzone will be painting a mural located on the interior wall of Northpark’s new Eatery in Ridgeland within the course of two weeks beginning October 25. Currently based in Charleston, S.C., Panzone has built a reputation through the creation of awe-inspiring large-scale murals. Recent projects include a wall mural for HBO’s Vice Principals, two floor murals for his alma mater, the College of Charleston, and a massive mural to promote the upcoming release of the the Charleston-filmed horror flick Halloween. This past May, Panzone completed a celebratory work as part of the Belhaven Heights Mural Project. Coinciding with the recent restoration and designation of the State Capitol as a National Historic Landmark, the mural depicts two children with elements of the local landscape superimposed over an image of the newly restored Mississippi Capitol. Educational and creatively engaging, the mural visualizes a link supporting Jackson’s past and present. An early passion for painting began during Panzone’s high school years at St. Andrews, taking lessons under late Jackson artist Lynn Green Root, applying this dedication into a full-time practice and career since 2007. Without adhering to a specific style, Panzone has transitioned into his own niche of realism, primarily focused on large-scale works using spray paint. Panzone welcomes the opportunity to lend his talent to Northpark and bring another artistic asset to his hometown. “My murals range from geometric to bold linear art to realistic portrait work,” he stated. “My goal is to keep creating larger, more innovative works of all kinds. I want to keep evolving as an artist, both technically in skill and in scale.” In keeping with the overall look of the redevelopment, and as an homage recognizing the vibrancy of Mississippi, the nearly 1200-square-foot mural will feature four carefully etched representations of the magnolia, the Official State Flower.

“The opportunity to partner with Douglas Panzone to execute a one-of-a-kind work of art is very special,” says Najla Kayyem, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Pacific Retail Capital Partners. “Public art, combined with creativity and community engagement, can change perceptions, promote economic revitalization, and breathe new life back into our neighborhoods.” “Northpark strives to create a diverse array of opportunities to serve our community,” added Christy Pender, Northpark’s Marketing and Business Development Manager. “It will be incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation of a vision into a public art piece for the community to enjoy.” The magnolia wall mural is part of Northpark’s major redevelopment, encompassing new public entrances, corridors, amenities, restrooms, and common-area gathering spaces. The renovation includes a new, more spacious café-style Eatery, which will offer a fresh dining experience for shoppers during their visit to Northpark. The redevelopment also incorporates a state-of-the-art Family Lounge featuring private nursing areas, baby-changing stations, and a large child-friendly restroom, as well as the Discovery Park children’s play area, filled with amenities to play and learn while shoppers relax and recharge. Other enhancements include fresh landscaping and a complete parking lot resurface, which will be complete in mid-November before the onset of holiday shopping.

Northpark becomes first “searchable shopping center” in the Southeast through ShareRails break-through technology RIDGELAND, Miss. (August 14, 2018)— Starting this month, Northpark will be the first Southeast shopping center to feature searchable inventory utilizing ShareRails, a
technology used to digitize Northpark’s inventory making products sold at the retail center searchable via the Northpark website and Google. ShareRails will offer Northpark tenants a clear online-to-offline path to compete with global online retailers. With Google’s location-based search results, this technology offers a new way to help drive consumers back to traditional shopping centers and offer a convenient alternative to e-commerce shopping.

Pacific Retail Capital Partners, Northpark’s managing partner, chose to implement ShareRails as part of the Ridgeland shopping destination’s current multimillion-dollar renovation along with additional innovative digital technologies. “We are thrilled to collaborate with ShareRails at Northpark and other Pacific Retail assets around the country,” said Najla Kayyem, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Pacific Retail. “We look forward to the success that ShareRails will create for Northpark’s retailers and to the convenience it will offer our shoppers.”

The ShareRails program recently garnered Pacific Retail a 2018 Silver MAXI award in New/Emerging Technology and the 2018 Special Distinction for Marketing Innovation award (most innovative submission overall). The ICSC MAXI Awards showcase the retail real estate industry’s most innovative events, programs and technologies that add value to shopping centers and companies across the country. This break-through innovation allows people to search for products online and then make a purchase immediately at Northpark. “We are able to enhance our customer’s satisfaction by making our physical retail inventory available online,” said Christy Pender, Northpark’s Marketing and Business Development Manager. “This technology will be a first for the region, and we are thrilled to lead off with this new searchable platform.” ShareRails is only one of the innovative technologies rounding out the interactive experience at Northpark as part of the current renovation. The new Eatery will house a large, high-resolution digital display that will provide entertainment and targeted messaging for customers. There will also be touchscreen directories and a children’s interactive wall complete with gaming and motion-activated content all designed to create a connective and unique shopping experience for families. This engaging technology allows Northpark to provide a value-added service for their merchants and the community they serve.

Other renovations now underway to the 958,000-square-foot center include a modern children’s play area, new public entrances and corridors, common area updates and amenities, a family restroom and lounge, and common-area gathering spaces including a complete transformation of the current food court to a spacious café-style Eatery. Fresh interior and exterior landscaping and a total resurfacing of the parking lot will complete Phase 1 in time for holiday shopping this November.

Northpark Offers $50,000 Investment, Six Months Free Rent and Turn-Key Dining Space to Winner of Community-Driven Culinary Event, Taste for the Space™

RIDGELAND, MS (September 4, 2018) – Northpark announces Taste for the Space™, a first-of-its-kind opportunity for Mississippi culinary professionals offering a $50,000 investment prize, a turnkey dining space, and six months free rent as the prize. Food truck operators, local restaurateurs, and chefs are invited to compete for a space at the newly renovated Northpark. The contest is accepting applications now until October 13, 2018.

To enter and compete:

Apply by October 13, 2018

To apply, interested parties simply fill out an online application and submit a 3-5 minute video explaining their credentials, and their vision as to why they should be considered to compete. All applications must be submitted by midnight, on October 13, 2018 to be considered. There is no fee to enter. To learn more or apply visit: www.northparkmall.com/tasteforthespace.

Compete at the December 1, 2018 Taste for the Space Event™ at The New Northpark

12-15 finalists will compete, each cooking his/her signature dish. The event is open to the public and $7 tickets will benefit a local cause. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy competitor tastings and then text to vote for their favorite contestant. The event will also include live music, games, family fun, refreshments, and more.

The winner will be selected using a combination of tasting scores from a judging panel, attendee votes, as well as the competitor applications and business plans.

“With Taste for the Space™, Northpark will provide a locally-run dining option to our guests, support Mississippi small businesses, and engage the community in a fun and exciting way,” said Kasey Dickson, Northpark’s General Manager.

Taste for the Space™ is an initiative by Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) to reinvest in their local communities and entrepreneurs. PRCP has hosted prior Taste for the Space™ competitions in Northern California, Utah, and Illinois.

“We want to support local small business owners,” said Christy Pender, Northpark’s Marketing and Business Development Manager. “Northpark belongs to the community. So, of course, we want to involve the community in shaping the future of their local dining experience.”

Northpark is currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation with phase one opening this November. The reinvention of this Ridgeland institution includes a complete transformation of the food court into a more spacious and vibrant café-style Eatery. Other renovations now underway to the 958,000-square-foot shopping destination include a modernized children’s play area, new public entrances and corridors, common-area updates and amenities, a family restroom and lounge, digital interactive media walls and common-area gathering spaces.

JACKSON, Miss. – Northpark and Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) officially broke ground, March 8, 2018, on a multimillion-dollar renovation project. Work began immediately to update and renovate Northpark, a 34-year-old Ridgeland, MS indoor institutional shopping destination.

Phase 1 plans for the 958,000-square-foot property include new public entrances , corridors, amenities, public restrooms, and common-area gathering spaces . The stunning look will combine Southern charm with modern elemental architecture and design. Other enhancements will include fresh interior and exterior landscaping and a complete resurfacing of the parking lot.

“The partnership with Pacific Retail has been wonderful,” said Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee at the groundbreaking ceremony. “When the company came to us and shared their vision for Northpark, it created tremendous excitement for us because we knew that Northpark was going to become something special and would continue on as a strong economic catalyst for the future.”

The renovation will include a complete transformation of the current food court to a more open and spacious café-style Eatery, offering fresh dining options and updated dining areas where visitors will be able to comfortably gather and relax during their shopping visits.

The Eatery will feature a large, high-resolution interactive digital display designed to provide continuous, motion-activated content, including targeted messaging. There will also be an electronic directory and interactive gaming designed to create a real-time connection and unique shopping experience for families. This engaging technology will allow Northpark to provide a measurable, added-value service for their retail tenants, driving more sales and ensuring brand recognition and customer loyalty.

The redevelopment will also incorporate public art features from area artists, a state-of-the-art children’s play area, and a new Family Lounge featuring private nursing areas, baby-changing stations, a large child-friendly restroom, and amenities to entertain children while shoppers relax and recharge.

“Through this renewal, Northpark, as one of Mississippi’s largest indoor shopping destinations, will reassert itself as the retail and cultural heart of the community,” said Najla Kayyem, senior vice president of marketing for Pacific Retail Capital Partners. “The Northpark revitalization pays homage to the community’s history while transforming it into a progressive, fashionable, inviting, and family-friendly gathering place to create new memories.”

Since first opening in 1984, Northpark has been a vital contributor to the local, county, and state economies. Northpark currently provides 40 percent of Ridgeland’s tax base.

The renovation process will not impact accessibility and convenience for shoppers, as the majority of work will be performed after hours. Phase 1 is projected for completion in time for holiday shopping this November.