@RegencyCenters Blog

Fresh Look Stories, Summer 2016

Written by Mac Chandler | Jul 28

Fresh Look® isn't just a philosophy; it's the driving force behind creating ideal locations with best-in-class retailers representative of the communities we serve.

We combine unique placemaking designs with the right merchandising mixes, and connect with our shoppers through community outreach and an active social media presence. These innovative destinations are crafted one-at-a-time by our team. Take a closer look at our most recent Fresh Look success stories in action:




 

Blue Eyed Girl - Village at La Floresta, Brea, CA

Blue Eyed Girl is known for fashion-forward apparel and accessories, featuring brands such as Alo Yoga, Brixton and Free People. In the past 11 years owners Tom and Dawn McKnight have expanded from one location to five, and built a solid online presence.

As a native Southern Californian, Dawn has a love for comfortable, quality fabrics with a coastal bohemian style. She believes in expressing one's personality and individuality through fashion, helping to create your own style and dress for comfort while also feeling sexy and sophisticated.

At Blue Eyed Girl, customers find unique, high-quality clothing, shoes, fine jewelry, accessories and gifts—not to mention a great customer experience in a comfortable, relaxing shopping environment with friendly, helpful service. If the dedicated Facebook and Instagram followers, or multiple 5-star reviews on Yelp are any indication, this locally loved addition to the Brea community will be around for years to come.




[solidcore] - Belmont Chase, Ashburn, VA

[solidcore] is a high-intensity, low-impact workout that uses slow, controlled movements to lengthen and tone the entire body.

The D.C.-based fitness retailer opened its first studio in 2013, and now has more than 12 locations in four states, with additional locations planned. This past spring it opened a 2,268 SF studio at Belmont Chase in Ashburn, VA.

"[solidcore] is an ideal Fresh Look retailer," said Jack deVillers, Vice President of Investments for Regency Centers. "The unique concept was started by Ann Mahlum and the brand is quickly expanding across the country. The Ashburn build-out is sleek and modern. Along with Pure Barre, it has filled a great void at Belmont Chase, and in the community as a whole."

Described as ‘the hardest and most intense workout you will ever do,’ each session is taught by dedicated coaches who empower clients to be the strongest version of themselves. The training focuses on 50 minutes of strengthening the core muscles using a pilates megaformer machine. The [solidcore] culture is to make students feel welcomed and supported, and more than 70% of first-timers return.

To learn more about the [solidcore] experience, watch the video below:




Hutch Eatery & Bar - Gayton Crossing, Richmond, VA

Curried cauliflower, squash blossom quesadillas and scallop vichysoisse await at Richmond, VA's Hutch Eatery & Bar at Gayton Crossing. The eatery is owned and operated by a local couple, Josh and Jessica Bufford. In 2005 the Buffords opened a successful "New American" gastropub called Toast at our Village Shopping Center in Richmond.

Hutch is a popular fast-casual spot serving southern and New American fusion cuisine along with a line up of craft beer, cocktails and wine on tap. Open for lunch, brunch and dinner, it also caters to vegetarians, gluten-free diners and children.

"The Buffords connect to the community and have a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome," said April Laney, leasing agent. "When there was availability at Gayton Crossing, we knew that the restaurateurs would be perfect to expand their brand and bring their fun, vibrant restaurant with exceptional food to this location as well."

The 2,440-square-foot Hutch opened in early 2015 and features indoor and outdoor seating. It was so well received that the Virginia Tourism Corporation added the restaurant to its "25 Restaurants That Satisfied Our Appetites in 2015" list.

 





The Market at Springwoods Village, Spring, TX

Innovation and sustainability played an important role in designing The Market at Springwoods Village. The addition of rustic finishes including copper-colored Corteen steel tiles, natural foliage and wood accents will enhance the center’s modern architecture. These characteristics will complement the surrounding mixed-use community of Springwoods Village, which once completed, will be the first of its kind in the Houston area.

"Springwoods Village's master developers sought like-minded partners to create a sustainable project that minimized environmental impacts," said Abe Pacetti, Vice President of Investments for Regency Centers. "We knew this property was special and required a particular level of placemaking that would reflect the surrounding community, all while embracing nature and walkability."

The Kroger-anchored shopping center in Spring, TX will incorporate elements of placemaking throughout, weaving in green spaces and shaded walkways.

Unique architecture, patios, plazas and parks will promote community engagement and an enhanced customer experience. A circular-shaped outdoor gathering space will be accompanied by seating and public artwork that brings a unique visual identity to the center. The Market is designed to be pedestrian- and bike-friendly, and will also connect to the community bike path.

Construction started in March and the center is slated to open in spring 2017. We will seek LEED certification upon completion of the project.

 




Retailer Welcome Packages

We recently began rolling out welcome packages to introduce our newest merchants to the local retail family. Each hand-delivered arrangement is customized with an array of handpicked items from merchants located in the shopping center, along with a personalized greeting from our local property management team.



Each element of design represents our brand's culture while incorporating a focus on sustainability. A series of icons on the exterior wrap symbolize our retailers and the wooden crate and recycled crinkle paper is intended for repurposing.



Items within the package are selected to showcase the strong merchandising mix of each center — one of the key elements of our Fresh Look strategy.