BY COLLEEN JANSSEN: “We want the public’s opinion on what they want to see in the Westminster Mall,” says General Manager Valerie Flores.
The mall staff and owners are working to bring in new businesses that will appeal to local shoppers.
“Go to our website at www.westminstermall.com and tell us what you like and which businesses you would like to see at the mall. We want to be an inclusive center to eat, shop, and entertain,” said Flores.
BY COLLEEN JANSSEN: “We want the public’s opinion on what they want to see in the Westminster Mall,” says General Manager Valerie Flores.
The mall staff and owners are working to bring in new businesses that will appeal to local shoppers.
“Go to our website at www.westminstermall.com and tell us what you like and which businesses you would like to see at the mall. We want to be an inclusive center to eat, shop, and entertain,” said Flores.
“This is one of the top priorities for our owners,” said Marketing Director Patrice Sklencar. “Our leasing team is looking for potential tenants and getting a good mix.”
For those who have not yet heard, the mall is under new ownership. In March of this year, it was purchased by WPGlimcher. On Aug. 30, the owners are changing the name to Washington Prime Group.
Both Flores and Sklencar, along with other employees, have directed their focus over the past few months toward special events. Sklencar is exited about the KidX Club program which offers monthly activities for children.
“The membership in the club is free and members receive email notification of upcoming events.” Additionally, the mall has some great events planned. On Aug. 20, there was a Get Fit event with bouncers, Zumba, and more. September will feature a fashion show; and, October, a breast cancer event with Fountain Valley Regional Hospital.
“On Halloween, Oct. 31, we have a carnival with the Community Services Department of the city, inside near Macy’s with kiddie rides and game booths,” said Sklencar. “We have what we call the Pumpkin Patch which runs from October 1-31. The Spirit Halloween store will open in the lower level near Sears sometime in September and stay open through Nov. 15. Santa arrives on Nov. 11 and stays through Dec. 24.”
In addition to mall-sponsored events, they partner with other organizations such as the Westminster Chamber of Commerce to host events at the mall. Organizations looking for event space may contact the mall staff through the website or by stopping at the Mall Management Office.
Efforts to bring new businesses to the mall have been successful with three new businesses opening in the past few months: Sky Zone, The Luxe Buffet and Gold ‘N Time.
“You burn 1,000 calories per hour jumping on the trampolines,” says Jim Bellino of Sky Zone, “We are developing a SkyFit program, so check our website at www.skyzone.com to know when it starts.”
Sky Zone, owned by Jim and Alexis Bellino, of Housewives of Orange County fame, is a dynamic trampoline park.
Out of 140 stores nationwide, the Westminster franchise store is one of three owned by the Bellino’s, with more planned locally in the future. The others are in San Marcos and Anaheim.
Parents must register their children during the first visit and sign a waiver. Participants must wear Sky Zone socks, which are purchased at the store.
“Our site has trampolines with basketball, jousting, Dodgeball, and foam pits,” said managers Isaiah Manalili and Danielle Cheverton, during a tour of the business. Prices are $15 for one hour, up to $25 for two hours. They have a flat rate package of $10 for a half hour of all-you-can-play video gaming.
Bull riding, toddler time and party rooms, weekend glow nights and more round out the fun for kids and adults. The store is located on the upper level near Macy’s.
“Our restaurant can serve 550 people, plus we have three banquet rooms that each hold 50, or we can remove the dividers to hold up to 150 people for a banquet,” said The Luxe Buffet owner Danny Ni. He and his wife, Li Chen, have designed an upscale Las Vegas style buffet on the upper level near Macy’s.
“Our buffet is Chinese, Japanese and American food,” said Ni.
“Popular items are sushi and crab legs. We also have prime rib, Brazilian barbecue, seafood, Chinese food, macaroni and cheese, and more. On weekends, our dinner buffet offers Peking duck.” The dessert area looked spectacular with gelato, a variety of sugary offerings, some sugar-free desserts and, wait for it, a chocolate fountain.”
The buffet is open daily, accepts reservations for parties of 10 or more and prices are from $15.95 for an adult lunch to $24.99 for dinner. Senior and child prices are at a reduced rate. On a recent opening weekend, more than 1,000 people dined in style. Check the restaurant website at www.theluxebuffet.com for more information.
The official opening is scheduled for Sept. 1 at noon, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m.
Ni says, “We are the best buffet place in Southern California.” Of course, he has two more locations, one in Ontario Mills Outlet and the other in Carlsbad. So, they might all qualify for that title.
“We opened Aug. 5,” said Mahmoud Mourban, owner of Gold ‘N Time, a jewelry store on the lower level near JC Penney. “We moved from the Puente Hills Mall.”
“The store is unique,” added Mourban, “We not only sell, clean and resize jewelry, we do professional jewelry and watch repairs, along with installing watch batteries. We even work on the large grandfather and grandmother clocks. We are a one-stop jewelry store. Just call us, we want to help.”
Walking through his store, the sparkling engagement rings and wedding sets, necklaces, rings, and bracelets are in beautiful settings. His specialty watches include popular brands such as Citizen and Michael Kors.
“We buy gold, silver, diamonds, watches and vintage jewelry and can design custom pieces.” Stop by and see the inventory in person at the beautiful new store.
In all, the Westminster Mall employees and retailers are working hard to make the shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences special for their customers. Check their website, or, better yet, stop in and shop, try out the carousel, visit the stores and let the new businesses know that you appreciate them coming to Westminster Mall.
