West Orange Target Nears Completion, Demand ‘Surges’ At NJ Shopping Center

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Call it the “Target effect.”

Since news broke of plans to build a new Target in West Orange, many local shoppers have been looking forward to opening day at the popular retail chain store – whenever that might be.

Now, three tenants have also signed new leases at West Orange Plaza, developers say: VIO Med Spa, Quickway Japanese Hibachi, and Namkeen Hot Chicken Joint.

The shopping center – which is located at 235 Prospect Avenue and is anchored by a Whole Foods supermarket – launched a multi-million-dollar, property-wide renovation last year after announcing a new lease with Target department store.

The new Target will be located at the spot where a Kmart once stood. See a site map here.

An initial target date of Fall 2025 has passed. However, construction of the new store is “nearing completion” and is “taking shape with plans to open next year,” according to a Wednesday update from Levin Management Corporation, the leasing and managing agent for West Orange Plaza.

Meanwhile, interest in the property continues to “surge,” the firm says.

Levin Management Corporation said it has secured three, new leases with VIO Med Spa, Quickway Japanese Hibachi and Namkeen Hot Chicken Joint at the 298,000-square-foot shopping center.

According to a news release from the North Plainfield-based firm:

• “VIO Med Spa, a national medical spa brand, will occupy a 1,923-square-foot space at West Orange Plaza, marking the brand’s sixth New Jersey location and bringing a range of advanced aesthetics and wellness services to the center.”
• “Quickway Japanese Hibachi will open in a 1,511-square-foot space, introducing a Rockville, Maryland–based fast-casual hibachi concept with cooked-to-order meals and more than 50 locations across the Mid-Atlantic region.”
• “Namkeen Hot Chicken Joint will lease a 1,460-square-foot space, adding a bold Nashville-style hot chicken concept with South Asian-inspired flavors and a growing footprint in New Jersey and Brooklyn.”

Other businesses with locations at the shopping center include America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Verizon, My Gym and Dogtopia – with Club Pilates also coming soon. And yes, Frank's Pizza is still open, despite the construction from the nearby Target.

“Momentum at West Orange Plaza really speaks to what can happen when ownership commits to thoughtful redevelopment,” said Ed Vasconcellos, Levin Management Corporation’s leasing representative.

“Interest has been extremely strong, and we expect this level of activity to continue as the outparcels and building renovations move forward,” Vasconcellos said.

• See Related: West Orange Hits The Target; Planning Board OKs Shopping Center Plans
• See Related: Target Coming To West Orange: Some Love It, Others Less Enthusiastic

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