West Farms mall is CT premeire shopping mall. It was built in the 1970's, i beleive 1972. It turned upscale in 1997, when Norstrom came in. It department stores are: Nordstrom, Lord-Taylor, Filinies, and jcpenny's. it also has 160 stores in it. i need to go take pics of this mall.
I heard that KB toys closed!! and this was the first nordstrom in new england.
This mall has a Rainforest Cafe. It's a really neat restaurant with excellent atmosphere and a unique gift shop. It's near Filene's Main Store on the lower level. It tends to be quite busy so get there early so you dont have to wait. Plus they have unique drinks and an excellent bar/loungue area.
Took a ride to my childhood mall after closing, Westfarms located between Farmington and West Hartford.
These structures have been inside the mall since it opened in the early 1970's. The mall has come a long way since then.
The Alphabet Tower
The Lord & Taylor corridor. L&T has been here since the mall opened and has changed very little.
There used to be a fountain here. Around the later 1990s, the fountain was removed for a lobby-style seating area. The fountain was truly memorable, which is why I was disappointed when they removed it.
Westfarms logo on an elevator.
The Mall's west-wing infamous rolling ball structure! Like the Alphabet tower, this structure has been here since the mall opened. This Filene's in still there, now owned by Macy's and was once a G.Fox.
The former Sage-Allen space was taken over by Filene's when they expanded their stores. Now, this store is owned by Macy's but still sports the "Filene's" logo. Before Macy's takeover, this was the Men's and Furniture store.
One of Westfarms newer eating places, this mall never had anything of a food court (although one was rumored around the early 1990s/the Westfarms expansion project). This might've been home to the amazing A&W Restaurant in the early 1990s.
I hate Westfarms. I always have. I'd much rather go to Meriden Square or Brass Mill.
Best mall in Connecticut probably goes to Buckland Hills in Manchester or Danbury Fair in Danbury. I liked Westfarms before they expanded with the Nordstrom wing since it was the mall I grew up in. For years now I think of it as feeling too upscale. Meriden Square (as I remember it) I like to visit every month or so when I'm bored or have a day off (and feeling like galavanting). I don't like Brass Mill; it's a nice mall but nothing special surrounded by a lousy area which attracts too many unsavory people. I'd go the extra 25-30 minutes to get to Danbury.
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
Best mall in Connecticut probably goes to Buckland Hills in Manchester or Danbury Fair in Danbury. I liked Westfarms before they expanded with the Nordstrom wing since it was the mall I grew up in. For years now I think of it as feeling too upscale. Meriden Square (as I remember it) I like to visit every month or so when I'm bored or have a day off (and feeling like galavanting). I don't like Brass Mill; it's a nice mall but nothing special surrounded by a lousy area which attracts too many unsavory people. I'd go the extra 25-30 minutes to get to Danbury. [/quote
Idd have to say out of all the malls ive been to the danbury is one of the best lioek many malls it expaned with macys and that wing in 1987 Lord & Taylor and that wing in 1991 and JC Penny and taht wing in 1988
Speaking of the Danbury Fair Mall, the last time I went to the Danbury Mall - 98 or 99 the mall seemed to be partially dying. A lot of fly-by-night operations were operating in there. Has that changed? The only thing I liked about the mall was The Warner Brothers Studio Store and the WNET/Thirteen Store of Knowledge.
Although I like the fact that Buckland Hills added a Barnes & Noble, I liked the mall better before the remodel they did a couple years back.
And if you like books, you'll be happy to know that Barnes & Noble is opening at the Meriden Square this fall.
QuoteOriginally posted by Marc82
Speaking of the Danbury Fair Mall, the last time I went to the Danbury Mall - 98 or 99 the mall seemed to be partially dying. A lot of fly-by-night operations were operating in there. Has that changed? The only thing I liked about the mall was The Warner Brothers Studio Store and the WNET/Thirteen Store of Knowledge.
Although I like the fact that Buckland Hills added a Barnes & Noble, I liked the mall better before the remodel they did a couple years back.
And if you like books, you'll be happy to know that Barnes & Noble is opening at the Meriden Square this fall.
teh danbury mall i s knowwere near dyeing r u kidding me and it never was even in 1998 1999 the only thing that has chaged is they adde d a few new stores and filene's closed
Even if you don't like shopping at Westfarms, this is by far the swankest mall in Connecticut architecturally. It's one of the few, famed Taubman malls built in the 1970's. Probably a junior compared to some of it's "Ridge" cousins Eastridge, Southridge, Northridge (none of which still owned by Taubman today).
Funky ceilings!
Center court, facing Macy's. The grooved ceilings are really the staple of design at Westfarms. The developers' objective, like its other malls, was to have shoppers see the opposite anchors of the mall from each end.
Center court. Seating is where the once wonderful fountain and stage used to be. Now it's mostly occupied by aerial seating.
Again, may the focal point be the ceilings and skylights here!
Was originally G. Fox. The tiled facade is the same but they repainted it a dark blue years ago. It was once brownish-caramel (and rather aged looking).
The infamous rolling ball has been here since 1974. They've removed a few "seating pits" once here over the years which now mainly exist around the Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom wings.
I used to think, when I was a kid, what might happen if this ball detached and rolled down! It's a groovy structure!
Another view of the center court.
From the JCPenney wing you can see Macy's all the way on the other end!
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
I used to think, when I was a kid, what might happen if this ball detached and rolled down!
Oh my god! I used to think the same thing!
QuoteIt's a groovy structure!
Come on man. Just becuase the stupid thing was built in the 70s doesn't mean you have to use 1970s era vocabulary. :D
The Nordstrom wing was added in 1997. It's the only Nordstrom in the state of Connecticut.
Westfarms continues to be the classiest mall in Connecticut, trumping fellow Taubman mall (though equally impressive) Stamford Town Center.
reminds me of the holyoke mall at ingleside ;)
Westfarms will be getting a face lift. They will be getting a new restaurant along with a new redesigned entrance area.
http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-whdcouncil1114.artnov14,0,7833551.story
whats the new resturant going ot be? because that link doesnt work
QuoteOriginally posted by TRU7536
whats the new resturant going ot be? because that link doesnt work
Some upscale Chinese Place. I forget what it's called. The link is over a month old that's probably why it doesn't work.
Anyone else here who remembers Westfarms having a movie theater? It was just inside to the right of one of the main mall entrances. I forget which end it was (G.Fox or Penney's) but the space has long since been converted to restaurants. They use to do late night screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pink Floyds The Wall on Saturday's. Hows that for a classy mall :P
QuoteOriginally posted by farmingtonvalleymall
Anyone else here who remembers Westfarms having a movie theater? It was just inside to the right of one of the main mall entrances. I forget which end it was (G.Fox or Penney's) but the space has long since been converted to restaurants. They use to do late night screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pink Floyds The Wall on Saturday's. Hows that for a classy mall :P
The Movies at Westfarms was the name. My parents told me they saw Star Wars here in the late 70's. They axed the theater in the mid 80s, I think.
My dad claims California Pizza Kitchen is where the bygone theater was.
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
My dad claims California Pizza Kitchen is where the bygone theater was.
My mom claims it was at the G. Fox end which I believe would be across from where Sbarro's is now. Is that where California Pizza is? I love the mall but I just don't know the stores anymore.
Of course we prefer The Brass Mill in Waterbury and The Meriden Square in Meriden (you won't catch me calling it Westfield) when my friends and I went to Westfarms about a month ago, we were surprised how many vacant stores there were. Some looked like they were closed for good, while a few others were closed for remodel.
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
The Lord & Taylor corridor. L&T has been here since the mall opened and has changed very little.
No it hasn't. Lord & Taylor moved from Bishops Corner to the mall in the mid-1980's. The new wing was built for it then and the old L&T at Bishops Corner was converted to Caldor.
In response to some other posts:
Yes, that Burger King is where A&W used to be.
As for the movie theater, I think it was across from where California Pizza Kitchen, where Brooks Brothers (currently undergoing renovations) is.
QuoteOriginally posted by Marc82
Of course we prefer The Brass Mill in Waterbury and The Meriden Square in Meriden (you won't catch me calling it Westfield) when my friends and I went to Westfarms about a month ago, we were surprised how many vacant stores there were. Some looked like they were closed for good, while a few others were closed for remodel.
Westfarms is doing alot of upgrades, it looks like half of the mall is closed, but alot of stores are rebuilding, or making them bigger. Alot of leases were up so their trying to get very high end stores to come in. They want to make Westfarms upscale! Waterbury is nasty and dirty. My manager use to run a store in waterbury and she said they had rats running around. Meriden is boring. I love westfarms, only mall in CT that has good stores.
http://www.shopwestfarms.com/infodesk/whatsNew.html
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news4684.html
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-westfarms0304.artmar04,0,1033796.story
All these articles are what is going down at Westfarms. I hope they get rid of more stores to make room for Kenneth Cole, AX and Diesel (my favorite stores)
QuoteOriginally posted by RogerAnthony
As for the movie theater, I think it was across from where California Pizza Kitchen, where Brooks Brothers (currently undergoing renovations) is.
I had to go back to the mall to check it out myself. The theater was indeed where California Pizza is now plus it probably took up the space to the left as well.
I've heard several claims that the theater got the axe due to large crowds/loitering and generally just not fitting in with the "upscale" direction the mall wanted to go.
Oh btw, I'll let out one big WTF! on that new Gilly Hicks, yeeesh :duh:
Tiffinys has just opened at Westfarms. Word on the street among employees that work at the mall is that luxary retail louis vuitton is opening across from Tiffanys.
Heh heh I was impressed by Gilly Hicks -- opens up that closet of dark fantasy within. I don't bode well in lingerie shops myself...
Saw Tiffany's a few days ago and I must say... it has crowds "impressed" with it all. So much that all the other jewelry stores were almost ghostly. Call me a snob, but when I saw Tiffany's at Copley Square in Boston, it seemed like it only attracted people who look the part, dress up -- not some of the slobs I saw in there.
I really don't care much for Westfarms to shop (apart from sweeping up sales at Macy's and L&T occasionally) because of its increasingly highbrow nature. In the meantime, I don't care for the lower-tier malls and their junk stores but I'd rather hang out at those -- like Buckland Hills but more so Meriden Square. Has anyone else noticed malls now ramping up their look with higher end tenants? Just look at Holyoke Mall and Danbury Fair in the past year.
I don't know, who could buy any of this exorbitant stuff in times like these? Do the rich get richer indeed?
I remember the theater at West Farms, they had a Burger King back then too, but due to the loitering and such both got the axe. I also remember the foutain with all the change in it. I don't go to West faerms much but do like the big Yankee candle. I like Meriden Sq much better for shopping.
Wow, the new plans look great, too bad I can't see the progress, since I can't/neither can my family can afford to go there, thanks to these high gas prices *grumble*
Looks like FYE just hit the dust at West Farms. Replacing it will be Nike Store and Cole Hann. Man they are really cleaning up this mall now. Their trully trying to make it CT's upscale mall. Louis Vuitton will come in 2009 after the xmas season, going right next to Tiffanys. I wonder what next will the mall get? Footbeats and Sunglass hut also closed down too. Their trying to make it look alot like The Westchester in White Plains and Short Hills in NJ. I wonder what other non upscale store they will kick out next?
I was wondering whether there is a large supermarket near the Westfarms Mall. Is the Stop & Shop in Newington the closest one?
QuoteOriginally posted by standa
I was wondering whether there is a large supermarket near the Westfarms Mall. Is the Stop & Shop in Newington the closest one?
The only supermarkets in the area are Trader Joes, not super by any means, across the street in Corbins Corner. And yes, Stop & Shop is the closest, a few short minutes away.
It's weird how there is no real supermarket along Southeast Road. Waldbaum's Foodmart was the last supermarket there which closed in 93/94. As a matter of fact, Linens 'n' Things which took most of Foodmart's space is now closed.
Has anyone taking a walk around west farms recently? Last time I went was two weeks ago and boy does it look different! I know Cole Haan, Nike Store and Vuiton opened up their these past weeks! Pf Changs is almost done too and well as their new entrance and new bus stops.I know the mall is still wanting to get more upscale stores to move in, but their at 97 percent full.
Haven't been to West farms in a while, the stores are just too pricey for my tastes. Are peopl;e actually shopping or just window shopping??
I was there yesterday as I was blowing some inbetween time after school and before work. PF Changs (looks) open and complete, Louis Vuitton is open and has a captivating facade (as one might expect). Both Cole Haan and the Nike Store have been opened in time for Black Friday -- so the mall's all ready to dazzle this Christmas season. I will have to grab images of the 2008 edition of the center court soon.
On huge disappointment is the lame, rehashed "holiday" decorations this year mirroring the same old crap they've been using for the past couple years now. Anyone who remembers the better old days of Westfarms will recall the enormous Christmas tree which once doned the center court -- now replaced by product placements and a cheap plastic globe thing.
And yes, people are shopping. Westfarms has gotten so classy as of late it seems they might have to impose a de facto dress code just to window shop!
Will JCPenney ever replace their deteriorating signs? Have they since the mall was upgraded? I haven't been there for a while.
JCPenney is really the only store in Westfarms that my family can afford and even it's not within our budget at the moment. I wish Buckland was closer to Greater Hartford.
I like Macy's when they have sales and coupons, you can get some stuff pretty inexpensive then.
I do remember the huge westfarms Christmas tree, and they always had the most realistic looking Santa too.
The Hartford Courant here in CT had a front page article on the new Vuitton store, haven't read it through yet, too much drama this morning before school.
I finally got a chance to get to the Westfarms mall yesterday, after we went in one car to get dads car, so he could go to work. My mom drove us there and we checked out the new front it looks very nice,and is a big improvement we saw the horse with a shortened back end out front, it was pretty big, but it wasn't as big as I expected it to be. Also in the back they've installed a new solar powered curve warning sign (to replace the faded non flashing one) with flashing lights inside it,it looked pretty futuristic. I never got a chance to get inside the mall thought, tight schedule.
I think Westfarms is a good example of an long standing successful mall.It's great and a nice example how old meets new without becoming bland.
Christian Bernard Jewelers closed down without warning.
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-jewelry1231.artdec31,0,1505104.story
QuoteOriginally posted by Marc82
Christian Bernard Jewelers closed down without warning.
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-jewelry1231.artdec31,0,1505104.story
The whole chain went bankrupt without notice.
I dont know if i posted thise before, but Macys at Westfarms is the flagship store for all of New England. Its considered the most proftible one after the flagship store in NYC around the northeast. I have a freind that works at the Buckland one and he told me this. They even do way better business then the one in White Plains. Someone else told me they were open 24 hours before xmas and with alot of Macys stores closing in 2009, i don't see Westfarms closing, its Macys golden child. Now if they only remodel it!
Yes it is true that the Westfarms Macys was open 24 hours before Christmas. They did a big business being open overnights. The Westfarms store was one of only 13 Macys nationwide open 24/7 out of more than 900 stores coast to coast.
I posted a new pictures of the new main entrance of the mall and some of the new stores that came to Westfarms.
Question, i redid the Wikipedia page for WestFarms due to it being so blah. Does anyone know how to post pictures of there website?
That's beautiful. I haven't been to Westfarms since the holidays and briefly saw the main entrance en route to Sears. It sure gives Westfarms the upscale image it hoped for.
Went to Westfarms on Tuesday with Rodent. Wasn't impressed. Also didnt see all the stores. *flips the bird to Westfarms Mall* I'd rather go to Meriden Square or Brass Mill.
QuoteOriginally posted by Marc82
Went to Westfarms on Tuesday with Rodent. Wasn't impressed. Also didnt see all the stores. *flips the bird to Westfarms Mall* I'd rather go to Meriden Square or Brass Mill.
lol... WestFarms deals with a different clietele that Brass Mills and Meriden.. I wouldnt ever walk into those malls again not my sytle. But everyone has their own tastes as long as we are helping the economy its all good!
With stores like Louis Vuitton, Tiffanys, Cole Haan, another upscale boutique is set to open soon, True Religion Jeans.
Two new stores being confirmed for 2013...Tory Burch and Kiehl's Since 1851.
Still cant see why Jcpenny's is still in this mall, it doesnt fit what the mall is now, as in the last 5 years it has become CT's upscale mall. Hands down, my favorite one to go to. All we need is a AX and i will be happy!
Haven't been since there since 2009 when I went with my friend Rodent and we're not even friends anymore. If anyone wants to know why I'm not friends with him anymore send me a private message here or on Facebook.
P.S. As mentioned before I don't like this mall, but I'm disappointed that they did away with the Holiday Shuttle Service.
Quote from: TRU7536 on February 14, 2009, 07:19:13 PM
I posted a new pictures of the new main entrance of the mall and some of the new stores that came to Westfarms.
Question, i redid the Wikipedia page for WestFarms due to it being so blah. Does anyone know how to post pictures of there website?
The mall is set to redo the other entrance by California pizza kitchen to look like the main one.
Store set to open this year:
Athleta
Kiehl’s Since 1851
Tory Burch
Tommy Bahama
As we know, Rain forrest cafe closed after over 10 years in the mall. Forever 21 will take it over and the former champs and things remember to be a 25,000 foot store.
Love this mall, all we need is a Kenneth Cole and Armani Exchange and i be happy! Best mall around, live in Manchester and Buckland, like Brass Mills and Meriden are jokes!
An article from today's Bristol Press talking about the new stores plus the fact that the mall is turning 40 soon.
http://bristolpress.com/articles/2013/04/13/news/doc5168c566b7220806698012.txt
So I decided to take a walk around the mall today.
1. they are redoing all there seating areas, they have ripped them all out.
2. they should be done with a new make over entrance by California Pizza before the xmas season
3. There are 3 empty spots in the mall: the former Victorinox (I am surprised this place last this long, since its in a weird location, upstairs bw the entrance to Lord and Taylor and the hallway from Jcrew). A store next to footlocker on the first floor and the former Cole Haan in the second floor.
4. Forever 21 will open a new/relocated 25,000 foot store soon in the former spots of Rain Forest Café, Things Remembered, and Champs spots.
5. l'occitane is coming back to the mall soon, first floor center court.
I think center court is the place to be and I have a feeling the rents must be higher since its home to a lot of luxury stores (Michael Kors, Tiffanys, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, etc.
They are expected to announce some new store for 2014 every soon, since they already have a company to take over the soon to be former forever 21 once they move.
Two things that bug me about this mall, its still my favorite:
1. Way to much focus on women apparel. They need to add more stores catering to men.
2. When new stores comes in or relocate, they take over more than one spot. Forever 21 is taking over 3 spots, so the number of stores goes from over 160 to a little over 150. They really need to stop that or expand the mall, we all know its CT most popular mall.
Quote from: TRU7536 on August 05, 2013, 03:27:32 PM
So I decided to take a walk around the mall today.
1. they are redoing all there seating areas, they have ripped them all out.
Yeah I saw this the other day. I was bummed when the original seating pits, hidden under the escalators/stairs, were removed years ago.
Quote from: farmingtonvalleymall on August 16, 2013, 10:05:42 AM
Quote from: TRU7536 on August 05, 2013, 03:27:32 PM
So I decided to take a walk around the mall today.
1. they are redoing all there seating areas, they have ripped them all out.
Yeah I saw this the other day. I was bummed when the original seating pits, hidden under the escalators/stairs, were removed years ago.
clearly I never paid much attention to the seating. Always thought the pit was still there by JcPennys lol. Honestly, Pennys is the only thing still left about what the mall was before Nordstroms came along. The last few years, the mall clearly has taken a turn to become very upscale. Pennys doesn't even fit with what that mall has become and I know a lot of people want it gone in favor for a Bloomingdales.
The New Forever 21 opened on Saturday August 17th.
http://bristolpress.com/articles/2013/08/23/news/doc5216c868d4fd8212990953.txt
Quote from: TRU7536 on August 18, 2013, 07:43:40 PM
clearly I never paid much attention to the seating. Always thought the pit was still there by JcPennys lol. Honestly, Pennys is the only thing still left about what the mall was before Nordstroms came along. The last few years, the mall clearly has taken a turn to become very upscale. Pennys doesn't even fit with what that mall has become and I know a lot of people want it gone in favor for a Bloomingdales.
The older seating pits I was referring to were literally tucked under the stairs/escalators at the Penney's and G. Foxx (now Macy's) end). They were one way in/out only, you went down 3-5 steps and it was sort of walled in. It was fairly dark in those too as I don't think there were lights. They looked mostly just like the recently removed one in front of Nordstroms if to took that one and move it under the escalator and close off one end. It was a good way to 'get away' from other shoppers and stay hidden in the pit. I spent a good deal of time in those as a kid waiting while my mother shopped. One day they were just totally gone and replaced with vending machines.
Actually I miss the white poles with synchronous blinking lights even more :'(
A temporary store for the Christmas Season is opening soon. It's called Christmas in the City. It's not yet on their website but I saw a Help Wanted Ad on Craigslist. Their website is: http://www.christmasandcity.com/
Westfarms is getting a Microsoft Store.
Quote from: Marc B on October 23, 2013, 01:04:40 PM
Westfarms is getting a Microsoft Store.
That is interesting, guess the little kiosk they has since last year must have been a success for them to be opening a physical store.
Quote from: TRU7536 on October 23, 2013, 05:36:42 PM
Quote from: Marc B on October 23, 2013, 01:04:40 PM
Westfarms is getting a Microsoft Store.
That is interesting, guess the little kiosk they has since last year must have been a success for them to be opening a physical store.
Microsoft is moving into the old Forever 21 location upstairs. Went to the mall on Saturday and boy was it packed beyond words. They also have all their holiday decorations out as well.
The have the new seating areas up and running and they kind of look tacky if you ask me. I don't think they are done yet.
Build-a-Bear Worshop at Westfarms Mall is closing for good on Sunday February 23rd, 2014. Locations at Buckland Hills, Danbury Fair, and Westfield Trumbull will remain open.
http://www.wfsb.com/story/24754016/build-a-bear-in-westfarms-mall-to-close
Quote from: Marc B on February 18, 2014, 01:49:27 PM
Build-a-Bear Worshop at Westfarms Mall is closing for good on Sunday February 23rd, 2014. Locations at Buckland Hills, Danbury Fair, and Westfield Trumbull will remain open.
http://www.wfsb.com/story/24754016/build-a-bear-in-westfarms-mall-to-close
Yea because a Lego Store is replacing it.
Quote from: TRU7536 on February 18, 2014, 05:53:29 PM
Yea because a Lego Store is replacing it.
I knew Lego was opening at Westfarms, but I didn't know where it was going. I also wish they would put a Lego Store at a mall I actually go to like Meriden Square or Brass Mill and not these stupid over-priced malls like Westfarms and Danbury Fair where you have to have an income of at least $100,000 a year to shop at.
Holy Xmas batman! I went to the mall today and it was beyond packed. Was hard trying to find a parking space and the crowds inside were insane.
Looks like the mall has found a new project. After redoing the two major entrances and the seating areas last few years, the mall is now focusing on re-doing the center court. It is currently blocked off and with a major gaping hole in the center of the mall. The new center court will be ready by late 2014.
Today was the grand opening of the much anticipated Microsoft store. Boy, were they busy and it didn't stop the Apple store though. They were jammed pack as well.
Along with Microsoft, Spanx and BCBG are expecting to open soon. BCBG is another former store coming back to the mall since leaving a few years ago. l'occitane came back late last year after leaving the mall a few years ago. Build a Bear is officially gone and the Lego Store is taking over its space later in the year.
As far as empty stores, not that many really. Gilly Hicks is now closed (as Abercrombie closed them all), restoration hardware (heard the mall wants to split this space into 2 or 3 separate stores, victorinox, and some jewelry store that Starbucks is in temporary.
Between now and November, we will hear what other stores will be coming to the mall and what others will be leaving.
A lot of people were at The Microsoft Store to see the Country Group Florida-Georgia Line.
Quote from: Marc B on February 18, 2014, 01:49:27 PM
Build-a-Bear Worshop at Westfarms Mall is closing for good on Sunday February 23rd, 2014. Locations at Buckland Hills, Danbury Fair, and Westfield Trumbull will remain open.
http://www.wfsb.com/story/24754016/build-a-bear-in-westfarms-mall-to-close
Today I decided to go to the mall since I really wanted to see what the new iPhone looks like. As I am walking on the lower level something caught my eye, Build a Bear is returning and opening in late November in a new location. It made me chuckle as I walked by, as it's like the third store I know that has got kicked out and is coming back lol.
Center court is almost done and so is the updated entrance bw Ruby a Tuesday and ATT.
Its March, so expect stores to leave and come in the next couple of months. All remodels to center court and entrance by Ruby Tuesday are complete and new "WestFarms" signs been added to each entrance off New Britain Ave.
Many of the stores that closed so far are companies that closed all their stores and stuck with online shopping:
Ruum
Gilly Hicks
Carlo Pazolini
Mrs. Fields cookie store
Lids
Cache, company is going bankrupt will soon close
Select comfort mattress's looks like they lost their spot in center court and relocated behind JCrew.
Three new stores have already been announced:
David's Tea
Lucky Brand Jeans (own a few shirts from them)
Vans
We will probably see a lot more stores coming in before years end with all construction completed, WestFarms always has a great record of being anywhere from 95% to 98% fully occupied.
Quote from: Marc B on February 18, 2014, 01:49:27 PM
Build-a-Bear Worshop at Westfarms Mall is closing for good on Sunday February 23rd, 2014. Locations at Buckland Hills, Danbury Fair, and Westfield Trumbull will remain open.
http://www.wfsb.com/story/24754016/build-a-bear-in-westfarms-mall-to-close
Btw after being kicked out to make room for Lego, they came back a few months later across the hall.
We went to WestFarms a few weeks ago. I hadn't been there in years. It sure did surprise me to see so few vacant spots. Compared to other malls throughout the state, which have turned into skeletons of what they once were, WestFarms seems to be thriving.
Four new stores have opened at Westfarms and two others are remodeling.
http://www.centralctcommunications.com/newbritainherald/news/article_17760ac0-00d9-11e5-a641-3761a70b8819.html
Lucky Brand, David's Tea, Vans are all open. The North Face is set to open this summer and VS remodel will be done this summer as well. Kay jewelers is also moving 4 steps over to the former Lids and Johnson & Murphy location. I went this morning and the former Gilly Hicks location on the upper level next to Pennys has construction going on and it looks like Foot Locker is relocating to this place since its bigger.
The North Face opened this week, Kay's is open in their new location in the former Lids/Johnson Murphy location which was steps from their former store. Victoria Secret also reopened in their new remodeled store and Michaels Jewelers is actually moving into the former Kay's location which is right across from their current location. Foot locker moved upstairs next to Pennys with that new concept store House of Hoops store next to it.
Pandora is currently closed as they remodel and reopen in September and found out a new clothing store Hanna Andersson will open in the fall. I think they will open between Tablots and Free People, their use be vending machines in that vacant location and now they have that current white cover up that's pulled out to redo the store front.
This will need to 5 empty store fronts, but with the holidays coming up, we all know some calendar store will take one spot up and Parade of Novelties Sports already moved into the former Foot Locker downstairs. Its a seasonal store so I don't count it as a full lease.
Quote from: TRU7536 on August 08, 2015, 02:30:42 PM
This will need to 5 empty store fronts, but with the holidays coming up, we all know some calendar store will take one spot up and Parade of Novelties Sports already moved into the former Foot Locker downstairs. Its a seasonal store so I don't count it as a full lease.
I wouldn't shop at that sports novelties place if it was the last place on planet earth to buy sports memorabilia. They have a permanent store at Westfield Meriden and I was treated very rudely.
I went there today and took some photos.
I know The Caldor Rainbow/Nick had posted a promotional postcard from the 1970s of it, and his 2006 recreation of it, showing the removed fountain. I decided to re-re create it because they've changed it up a bit..
(I resized the photos for comparison)
Original - 1970s:
(http://i.imgur.com/tKQIEOC.png) (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6JOCpADOJWg/RggIOyV8usI/AAAAAAAAAY0/NuFcqjVrU_M/s1600-h/scan0001-1.jpg)
Re-creation - 2006:
(http://i.imgur.com/P111jPs.png) (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6JOCpADOJWg/Rgg87CV8uvI/AAAAAAAAAZM/RWdIKNL4fvs/s1600-h/DSC07480-1.JPG)
Re-Re-Creation - 2016:
(http://i.imgur.com/jB901Pf.png)
I'll be posting more photos soon.
Great then & now comparison!
http://imgur.com/a/WjdWt
Sorry for the delay.
I explored the mall while my Mom shopped at Penney's. The mall made me feel as uncomfortable as a whore in church. Why? It's a mall geared towards the upscale crowd - something my Mom and I are not. Was not impressed. Not even with the Lego Store or the Disney Store.
I took some photos of the Westfarms mall today. It's very nice and pretty upscale, but was more crowded thanks to the unofficial kick-off of the Christmas season.
Photos (https://flic.kr/s/aHsmaw8QU3).
Main entrance:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4470/26397244039_eb79068da3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GdCLZe)
Westfarms Mall (https://flic.kr/p/GdCLZe) by JJBers (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jjbers/), on Flickr
Lord & Taylor
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4582/38173919911_590208ce86_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/21aijqX)
Lord&Taylor (Westfarms Mall) (https://flic.kr/p/21aijqX) by JJBers (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jjbers/), on Flickr
JCPenney
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4449/37463548674_89e0826f9e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Z5wtP1)
JCPenney (Westfarms Mall) (https://flic.kr/p/Z5wtP1) by JJBers (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jjbers/), on Flickr
Fellow board member Geno and I went to Westfarms yesterday.
Notes: Burger King has closed. Bath and Body Works is building a new store. There is a new lounge area "powered" by NBC Connecticut where you can sit and watch NBC Connecticut. CT Live a new lifestyle show airing on NBC Connecticut films its live segments at the mall. Ciannabon is a new additiom to the mall. It has a Carvel with it.
2019 UPDATE: Even Westfarms is not immune to store closings. I walk the mall often and while they are still a popular, successful mall, they have lost a few stores since the holidays.
The following stores have already closed or will close since the beginning of the year:
Abercrombie and Fitch (Closed; Abercrombie Kids is still operating on lower level)
Trollbeads (Closed)
Gymboree (in the process of closing along with the entire chain)
The Candy Shoppe (moved a few times over its run in the mall but disappeared completely)
True Religion Jeans (just noticed closing signs on the windows today)
In addition to that, several storefronts are still vacant covered by temporary white walls. Yet, there are five "popup" type stores that could very well relocate to a permanent space if they wished to. They are Starbucks, Amazon Popup, Peloton, Nespresso and Xfinity (took over the former Customer Service Desk). There are also no shortage of smaller kiosks on the first floor of the mall. Westfarms also attracts several temporary stores during the holiday season such as a Christmas decoration store, Harry and David, See's Candy and a few others, which occupy vacant space, and at the end of the holidays, leave the mall. I'm sure Westfarms will continue to attract new stores that you won't find elsewhere in the state. Examples of those include Kate Spade, Vineyard Vines and Texas De Brazil in 2018.
A final note, JCPenney after many years, replaced the letters in the long time outdoor building signage (3 signs in total) to new red letters. It looks as if they kept the original letter frames in tact. The signs inside the mall are were not changed. The interior looks good. Hoping they keep this store open.
Is the two icons - the alphabet tower and the sliding ball - gone? Just wondering...
I've gone to Westfarms twice this week and it truly is my favorite and arguably the best mall in Connecticut, with very little vacancies, great variety of businesses and up to date. I love Sbarro and my mother has turned me on to Bath & Body Works. When I went to the Lego Store, I was amazed at how far Legos have come in 27 years, since I was a kid and how expensive they can get ($500 for the Disney castle!!!!). Lord & Taylor is still vacant and is the only vacant anchor here. I took some pics of L&T on my visit yesterday. Not sure what will go in here, maybe a Boscov's if they get tired of NAMDAR's frickin stuff in Meriden.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/9d/58/fKAUtuyB_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/fKAUtuyB) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/cc/59/oYi7xK7t_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/oYi7xK7t) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8d/a5/9QvazREb_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/9QvazREb)
Quote from: JimSawhill on August 17, 2019, 04:39:47 PMIs the two icons - the alphabet tower and the sliding ball - gone? Just wondering...
The Alphabet Tower is still there!!!!
The Manchester Scoop, a local retail/business news outlet, which heavily focuses on economic development updates in the Buckland Hills area as well as Vernon, CT, ventured out of their circle to Westfarms. According to the article, several new businesses are coming to Westfarms. These additions can very well just about fully occupy the sub spaces. I found interesting the fact that several retailers that are also currently in the Meriden Mall are coming to Westfarms, such as Torrid, Lids, Zumiez, Finish Line and Franseca's (this one had already closed). I am wondering if the new Westfarms locations are additions to the retailer's rosters or replacements. It wouldn't surprise me if they all exited Meriden Mall. That would collapse that mall.
As for Lord and Taylor, they were supposed to put a co-working space type thing there, but I haven't heard anything about that. I would think a Primark store would fit there, at least on one floor. Westfarms has proved to sustain retail-only. Boscov's may not fit the demographics here. Maybe in the old Sears at Buckland Hills in Manchester.
Link to the story:
http://www.theconnecticutscoop.com/all-posts/westfarms-business-brief-may-2022
Quote from: AmesNewington on May 11, 2022, 04:49:57 AMThe Manchester Scoop, a local retail/business news outlet, which heavily focuses on economic development updates in the Buckland Hills area as well as Vernon, CT, ventured out of their circle to Westfarms. According to the article, several new businesses are coming to Westfarms. These additions can very well just about fully occupy the sub spaces. I found interesting the fact that several retailers that are also currently in the Meriden Mall are coming to Westfarms, such as Torrid, Lids, Zumiez, Finish Line and Franseca's (this one had already closed). I am wondering if the new Westfarms locations are additions to the retailer's rosters or replacements. It wouldn't surprise me if they all exited Meriden Mall. That would collapse that mall.
As for Lord and Taylor, they were supposed to put a co-working space type thing there, but I haven't heard anything about that. I would think a Primark store would fit there, at least on one floor. Westfarms has proved to sustain retail-only. Boscov's may not fit the demographics here. Maybe in the old Sears at Buckland Hills in Manchester.
Link to the story:
http://www.theconnecticutscoop.com/all-posts/westfarms-business-brief-may-2022
But Boscov's
is retail, I think if they're smart they'll move to Westfarms.
Here are some more photos of the vacant Lord & Taylor, this is the second floor with the empty jewelry counters, brand labels and a few other nifty items still there. I dig the old CRT Tube TV on the wheelie cart, takes me right back to middle school science class.
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/c8/b9/oHke9pCY_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/oHke9pCY) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/fd/1a/TRB3IaZi_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/TRB3IaZi) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/8c/53/9FLjglne_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/9FLjglne) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/69/5f/aRSNaf64_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/aRSNaf64) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/48/de/MFQmycGE_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/MFQmycGE) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/70/56/Iw4xERAe_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/Iw4xERAe) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/34/cb/OHMJoWQ5_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/OHMJoWQ5) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/5a/a2/ZHBFDLTF_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/ZHBFDLTF) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f6/31/Ph9O56g6_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/Ph9O56g6) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/04/11/aknuqdsP_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/aknuqdsP) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/3f/51/YNoAjNbq_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/YNoAjNbq) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f7/4a/NDhN0XFx_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/NDhN0XFx) (https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/c9/b2/QDGGatNi_t.jpg) (https://imgbox.com/QDGGatNi)
Quote from: M.R.CALDOR on May 11, 2022, 11:24:00 AMQuote from: AmesNewington on May 11, 2022, 04:49:57 AMThe Manchester Scoop, a local retail/business news outlet, which heavily focuses on economic development updates in the Buckland Hills area as well as Vernon, CT, ventured out of their circle to Westfarms. According to the article, several new businesses are coming to Westfarms. These additions can very well just about fully occupy the sub spaces. I found interesting the fact that several retailers that are also currently in the Meriden Mall are coming to Westfarms, such as Torrid, Lids, Zumiez, Finish Line and Franseca's (this one had already closed). I am wondering if the new Westfarms locations are additions to the retailer's rosters or replacements. It wouldn't surprise me if they all exited Meriden Mall. That would collapse that mall.
As for Lord and Taylor, they were supposed to put a co-working space type thing there, but I haven't heard anything about that. I would think a Primark store would fit there, at least on one floor. Westfarms has proved to sustain retail-only. Boscov's may not fit the demographics here. Maybe in the old Sears at Buckland Hills in Manchester.
Link to the story:
http://www.theconnecticutscoop.com/all-posts/westfarms-business-brief-may-2022
But Boscov's is retail, I think if they're smart they'll move to Westfarms.
They are retail, but I'm not sure if they would fit the demographic of Westfarms. I would love it if they opened there, but just not sure that would mesh with their trendy image. I hope I am wrong.
Westfarms announced Monday that a premium furniture store and tea shop will be among the mall's new retail tenants.
https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/new-retail-stores-to-open-at-westfarms-renovations-nearly-finished
Quote from: Everything Community on May 20, 2022, 11:00:15 PMWestfarms announced Monday that a premium furniture store and tea shop will be among the mall's new retail tenants.
https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/new-retail-stores-to-open-at-westfarms-renovations-nearly-finished
They already have a tea shop though, The Green Teahouse.
Quote from: M.R.CALDOR on May 23, 2022, 10:10:28 AMQuote from: Everything Community on May 20, 2022, 11:00:15 PMWestfarms announced Monday that a premium furniture store and tea shop will be among the mall's new retail tenants.
https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/new-retail-stores-to-open-at-westfarms-renovations-nearly-finished
They already have a tea shop though, The Green Teahouse.
They used to have two tea shops open at the same time at Westfarms. David's Teas and Green Teahouse co-existed for a while (Teavana before Green Teahouse for years prior to that).