OPENINGS AROUND THE SOUND
A look at the area's new stores
Posted August 2007
The Landing will debut with more than a dozen well-known retailers when the 68-acre village opens this fall in Renton.
Harvest Partners, the Dallas developer that masterminded the project, is constructing 600,000 sq. ft. of retail space spread across a number of anchor, junior anchor and smaller offerings.
This issue's Openings Around the Sound is dedicated to the stores opening in the first two phases of The Landing.
Target will lease more than half of the first phase's 225,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Beyond the jobs and tax revenue, South Lake Washington neighborhoods will benefit from Target's longstanding commitment to donate five percent of income via grants and special programs.
Two junior anchor spots are reserved for PetSmart and Staples. PetSmart has more than 928 stores in the U.S. and Canada with $4.6 billion in revenues during 2006. Staples, credited with creating the office superstore concept in 1986, typically carries 7,000 - 8,000 products in a store. The chain now has nearly 1,900 stores and 74,000 employees.
Aficionados of Tazo Tea and Frappuccinos, Ethos Water and Carmel Macchiatos will rejoice over the addition of Starbucks. This will be the sixth location for Seattle's well-known coffee brand within two miles of the future lifestyle center.
L.A. Fitness continues its rapid expansion into Western Washington. Beyond Renton, health clubs are planned for Des Moines, Everett, north Seattle and Thurston County in the next year.
Sleep Country USA, acquired last year by California-based Sleep Train, is adding to an already-strong presence in Washington and Oregon by opening during the first phase at The Landing. Among the brand name mattresses offered are Simmons, Sealy, Spring Air, Pacific and Tempur-Pedic.
Jimmy John's will delight residents of The Landing with its delivery service that promises gourmet subs and club sandwiches in a host of sizes. Among the 550 existing corporate and franchised locations are spots in Bellevue and Seattle.
Joe's, the full-line sports and outdoor store that sold to a private equity firm in January, typically opens stores between 36,000 and 70,000 sq. ft. On its 55th anniversary in April, the company officially completed a name change from the long-lived G.I. Joe's name.
Verizon Wireless is the nation's largest wireless cellular and data provider and also dominates the Western Washington telecommunications market. Verizon will add to its count of 2,300 stores and kiosks when it opens in Renton.
Red Robin grew to more than 250 locations after a humble start in Seattle. Twenty signature hamburgers and chicken burgers will be on the menu when Red Robin launches during The Landing's first phase.
South King County residents unfamiliar with Protein Berry Pizzazz, Berry Fulfilling and Razzmatazz will have the opportunity to taste these and other smoothie flavors when The Landing's Jamba Juice opens. Of the company's 649 stores, more than 400 are company-owned and operated.
Panda Express, with a growth rate of three stores per week, is among the fastest growing restaurant chains in North America. By way of serving orange chicken, spring rolls and chow mein, Panda Express became the largest fast-food Chinese restaurant chain in the U.S.
Panera Bread is on a mission to place a loaf of the highest-quality bread in every man, woman and child's arms. Established in 1981, Panera operates more than 1,000 bakery-cafes in 38 states, most of which are franchised.
Golf Galaxy's selection of new and used equipment, apparel and accessories has everything you need for a round at St. Andrews or your local mini-golf course. Merchandise from Callaway Golf, Titleist, Nike Golf, adidas and FootJoy are on hand alongside an in-store clinic where experts perform a computer analysis that promises to improve your golf swing.
When the retail outlet for Confetti Junction opens in spring 2008 during the development's second phase, area families will gain easy access to decorations needed to outfit a home for any special occasion.
Also debuting in phase two is a new movie theater from Regal Cinemas, the world's largest motion picture exhibitor. When the Tennessee-based operator unlocks the doors to its 14 screens, stadium seating and digital sound will await moviegoers.