Listen to this articleSeveral new tenants are joining the fast-growing mix at Blue Star Shopping Center in Watchung.
After recently signing lease agreements, off-price retailer Burlington and Mexican-inspired quick-service chain Taco Bell are taking space at the Route 22 shopping center, according to exclusive leasing and managing agent Levin Management Corp.
Headquartered in South Jersey, Burlington sells branded apparel, footwear, accessories and home goods at up to 60% off other chains’ prices. Its footprint of 1,138 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico includes 52 locations in New Jersey.
At Blue Star, Burlington will have a 26,495-square-foot portion of the building that formerly housed a ShopRite supermarket. The 62,200-square-foot area became available this past spring when the supermarket relocated to a newly constructed 72,000-square-foot store adjacent to its former location.
Burlington will share the old ShopRite space with Marshalls, according to LMC. The longtime Blue Star tenant and discount retailer is relocating to an updated 27,000-square-foot space in a portion of that building, the North Plainfield-based commercial real estate services firm said.
Rising ‘Star’
After moving into a 2,900-square-foot restaurant previously occupied by fast food chain Wendy’s, Taco Bell opened last week at Blue Star. A Yum! Brands Inc. subsidiary with more than 8,000 restaurants worldwide, Taco Bell is known for its tacos, burritos, quesadillas and specialty items.
LMC also said Nails Spa & Beyond will introduce a 5,800-square-foot full-service nail and beauty spa. Blue Star will mark the brand’s second location after downtown Westfield.
At the 420,000-square-foot retail hub, the Blue Star roster includes:
- The previously mentioned brand-new ShopRite
- Planet Fitness
- KidStrong
- Kohl’s
- Marshalls
- Dollar Tree
- Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
- Five Guys
LMC recently announced that specialty discount chain Five Below is coming soon, as well.
Commenting on the latest additions, LMC Senior Leasing Representative E.J. Moawad said, “These leases reflect strong demand for well-positioned retail space in this market. With more than 62,200 square feet of new commitments and additional deals in the pipeline, Blue Star Shopping Center continues to build meaningful momentum.
Matthew Harding, the firm’s chief executive officer, added, “Blue Star has been a part of the Watchung community since 1954. This redevelopment ensures the property remains competitive, relevant and well aligned with today’s tenant expectations and consumer behavior.”
