Mall Plans Grand Reopening Splash

Walt Whitman Shops plans a grand reopening to mark completion of 18 months of renovation and expansion.

The reopening will start at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 21 with a ribbon-cutting and unveiling of a new bronze statue of the poet Walt Whitman. Over the next three days, the mall will offer live entertainment, hourly prize giveaways, a chance to sample food and drinks and shopping at many of the 30 new businesses that have opened in recent months. The celebration wraps up Nov. 24.  

“After an intensive planning and construction process over the past 18 months, we are thrilled to officially recognize and celebrate the grand re-opening of Walt Whitman Shops with the community,” said Deborah Weber, Walt Whitman Shops general manager.

The mall added 70,000 square feet during the expansion and renovation.

 Among the new stores at the mall are:

 Anthropologie, bebe, BOSS, Carhartt, C. Wonder, Free People, Henri Bendel, kate spade New York, Lucky Brand Jeans, lululemon athletica, Microsoft, Pottery Barn, Soma Intimates, Sophie Reese Triumph and Urban Outfitters 

Restaurants include Brio Tuscan Grille, CUPS Frozen Yogurt and Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar.  P. F. Chang’s China Bistro is expected to open by early December.  Some existing retailers have undergone major renovations in their stores, including Bloomingdale’s.

Several new amenities are available, Simon Properties said, including soft seating areas, renovated restrooms, including the addition of a family restroom, and a reconfigured Center Court area. 

“For our grand re-opening, we’ve put together a wide range of activities for shoppers to enjoy as they explore and become familiar with the additions and changes we’ve made inside and outside the center,” said Nancy Gilbert, Walt Whitman Shops director of marketing and business development.  “We think visitors will be pleased with everything we now have to offer and look forward to showcasing the wonderful additions made to the center.”