Plaza del Caribe $40M renovation nearly completed
New stores throughout the mall include Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works, Footlocker/House of Hoops, and soon, the second Macy’s store in Puerto Rico.
Following an investment of some $40 million, the renovation of the Plaza Del Caribe shopping center is nearing completion, mall officials said Wednesday.
The renovation of the shopping center includes the complete remodeling of its interior and main entrances, a new atmosphere with original art, the changing of tiles, acoustic ceilings, handrails, new furniture, new wagons, new elevators and escalators, and the opening of stores throughout the mall such as Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works, Footlocker/House of Hoops, and soon, the second Macy’s store in Puerto Rico.
Other store openings planned for this year includes Starbucks and a second setting Soft & Creamy and Mr. Pretzels.
“We spent more than four years renovating the mall, and more than 18 months ago we began the most intense work that will lead to the new Plaza Del Caribe we can already appreciate,” said Edwin Tavárez-Acevedo, general manager of Plaza Del Caribe.
“The project required a lot of planning and coordination with all tenants and visitors to not affect the regular operation of the mall and now we begin a new era that will allow our customers to enjoy an extended commercial offer and the best experiences in shopping, dining and entertainment in a friendly and clear environment,” Tavárez added.
The remodeling of the entrance to La Terraza Del Caribefood court will be completed this holiday season except for the roof part, which will be completed by February 2016.
The opening of new stores such as Alex & Ani and Vans, among others, are expected to be announced next year. Once all the new stores open in the mall, the total amount of shops and services will exceed 140.
To mark the redevelopment of the Ponce mall — owned by Empresas Fonalledas, who also operate the Plaza Las Américas shopping center in Hato Rey — the administration has prepared a program of activities that starts this month and runs throughout the holiday season.
Anthropologie opens 1st store In Puerto Rico
In related retail news, the operators of the Anthropologie chain announced Wednesday the Nov. 1 opening of the brand’s first store in Puerto Rico, at The Mall of San Juan.
The location’s product mix, which includes women’s apparel and accessories, beauty and home furnishings and décor, is also tailored to its setting. The Mall of San Juan customer “will delight in the wealth of fashion suited to everything from a day at the office to an oceanfront dinner.”
The new store will occupy a 6,500 square-foot space at the mall. There will be a diverse range of beauty products including lipstick, lip balm, cheek wash, shimmer sticks and Eau de Parfum inspired by the glamour of the Art Deco era. In addition the store will offer select pieces of furniture from Anthropologie’s exclusive new collection by UK-based Tracey Boyd.
