Shoppers at Clifton Park Center will notice several new stores, restaurants and children’s attractions as the summer begins.
Despite a downturn in the economy, Clifton Park Center is bursting with new stores.
It is flattering to open this quantity of stores in this economy, said General Manager Susan Keegan.
She said the mall is unique because it has everything one could need, including a dentist, Department of Motor Vehicles branch, dress shops, gift shops and a food court.
`It’s all-encompassing,` Keegan said of the mall. `People don’t want to be driving all around.`
She said the mall provides a place where patrons can complete their to-do list in one spot.
The mall, purchased by DCG Development in April 2006, has redefined its image.
`We have revised it into this lifestyle center,` Keegan said.
The developers demolished and rebuilt 120,000 square feet of the mall beginning in 2006, after the property was purchased.
There are 65 stores in the mall, but that is changing by the day, Keegan said.
She said business owners are eager to operate out of Clifton Park Center.
`There has been a lot of activity with interested, perspective tenants,` she said.
Stores began opening at the mall in mid-May with Bella Rouge Cosmetics and Skincare, which offers premium-brand cosmetics at an affordable price, according to owner Lisa Zibella.
`You can find affordable luxuries right in your own backyard,` Zibella said of the store’s products.
Working as an account executive for a cosmetic brand, Zibella traveled through Clifton Park and said she was attracted to the mall because of its bright colors.
When she arrived, she found a unique shopping center.
`It has a downtown and community feel,` she said of Clifton Park Center, which is where she wanted locate when she became serious about opening a store.
`It just made sense to me,` Zibella said of locating in the center.
Bella Rogue is located in the direct access portion of the mall between Lane Bryant and Stride Rite Shoes.
Zibella opened her doors Friday, May 23, and already has plans to host an event with Bella Maternity.
The stores are planning a joint event for pregnant woman called `Take Time for You,` which will feature a series of discussions revolving around skincare and fashions for pregnant women.
Woman must RSVP by Friday, June 20, for the Friday, June 27 event to begin at 7 p.m.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Colleen Pausley at 383-0306.
Another new offering in the mall, which opened earlier this month, is Sandriena Kim Couturiere, which specializes in making custom dresses.
Other designer dresses are also available in the store, where professional alterations can be made, according to owner Trisha Connell.
Connell said she had a good feeling about the shopping center after meeting with the mall’s developers.
`We chose the Clifton Park Center in our search for commercial property for rent because of the warm and sincere help offered to us,` she said.
She said the mall is centrally located and easily accessible.
`The ability to create a bridal gown or formal, business wear to your specifications is very rare in our area,` Connell said of her store’s services.
The Cotton Market will open later this month. The store sells apparel and accessories made from natural products, according to its Web site, which also states the company tries to minimize its impact on the environment by installing energy-efficient lighting in its factories and stores and providing reusable paper shopping bags to customers.
For more information about the products or company, go to www.thecottonmarket.com.
Justice, a store for girls 7 to 14, will locate at Clifton Park Center in late July.
It will be one of four stores coming to the Capital District including one at Stuyvesant Plaza in Guilderland.
For more information, see the Web site at www.justiceforgirls.com.
FunWorks FunZone recently moved to its new 10,000-square-foot location.
The store features activities for children of all ages, including soft play toys, which children can use in the store for a fee.
FunWorks came to Clifton Park Center in January and originally operated out of a 3,000-square-foot space.
Time Warner will take up a storefront at the mall by early July.
Capital News 9 will also operate a television studio in the mall, where reporters can work on breaking assignments.
The last new establishment will provide hungry shoppers with sustenance. Salad Creations is expected to open in late summer.
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