May 25, 2004

Retail Roundup

Eastridge open for business during construction
45 stores remain open

Just because Eastridge is undergoing a complete renovation doesn’t mean shoppers need to drive farther for convenient shopping during construction.

Many of its retail stores have relocated to the section of the mall between JCPenney and Macy’s to provide uninterrupted shopping while Eastridge is adding new shopping and dining options, a 15-screen AMC movie theatre, a redesigned food court, a vibrant new streetscape and a new children’s play area.

“Our anchor stores—Macy’s, Sears and JCPenney—will stay open throughout the renovation along with most of our national retailers, such as Victoria’s Secret, Express, Zales, Lane Bryant, Bath & Body Works and World Footlocker,” explains Sue Wareham, marketing manager for Eastridge. “We’re taking extra measures to help our customers find what they need and stay informed about the renovation process.”

Greeters wearing brightly colored polo shirts and “hardhats” are stationed along the interior walkway that connects Macy’s to the rest of the mall to assist and direct shoppers.

The portion of the mall that remains open during construction, approximately 800,000 square feet, is actually as large as the total size of many regional shopping centers. An additional 500,000 square feet of new and reconfigured space will open in 2005.

Entrances into JCPenney, Macy’s and Sears will remain open throughout the renovation, as will mall entrances on the Tully Road side of the property near JCPenney and the Quimby Road side of the property near Red Robin.
The renovation process will provide an estimated 2,500 construction jobs. Once the construction is complete, the renovated center will provide an additional 1,500 full-time and part-time jobs.

Eastridge is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc.—the country’s second largest shopping center owner, manager and developer—with ownership interest in, or management responsibility for, 177 regional shopping malls in 41 states.

The company portfolio totals approximately 153-million square feet of retail space and includes more than 16,000 retailers nationwide. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.generalgrowth.com.

Buca di Beppo partners with San Jose Family Shelter for Oakridge opening

The Buca di Beppo restaurant at Westfield Shoppingtown Oakridge opened to the public on May 26 and the restaurant plans to donate a portion of adult beverage proceeds from two grand opening preview parties to the San Jose Family Shelter.

Families and children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. San Jose Family Shelter is the only shelter in Santa Clara County that exclusively serves families with children. It allows them to stay together during the difficult ordeal of homelessness. The San Jose Family Shelter’s aim is to address the problems of homelessness from the point of view of the family. It provides programs designed to guide our residents to economic self-sufficiency.

“With volunteer help and financial assistance from our supporters like Buca di Beppo, we continue to serve approximately 1,200 men, women and children each year,” stated Trish Crowder, executive director of the San Jose Family Shelter.

“Buca di Beppo restaurants are very involved with the communities they serve,” said Joe Gatto, Paisano Partner for the new Buca di Beppo-San Jose. “We’re very excited to move into San Jose and are proud to contribute to vital organizations such as the San Jose Family Shelter. We hope this donation will make a difference in the group’s ability to support homeless families in San Jose.”

As part of Buca di Beppo restaurant’s ongoing commitment to the neighborhood, the restaurant will continue to look for new ways to be a good neighbor and become further involved in the community.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with Buca di Beppo during their grand opening at Oakridge,” explained Crowder. “We expect that their donation will provide a month of food and shelter to several families in need.”

Members of the San Jose Family Shelter and its foundation were on hand during the opening celebration of the restaurant.

The San Jose Buca di Beppo restaurant is located at 925 Blossom Hill Road, on the south side of Oakridge Shoppingtown. The restaurant is open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are welcome. Major credit cards accepted. Takeout is also available.