News

West Valley Retail Demand Brings Phoenix’s Agua Fria Plaza to 100% Leased

Western Retail Advisors completes 13 lease transactions since taking over retail listing PEORIA, ARIZONA, September 27, 2023 – On behalf of institutional owner and investor Westwood Financial, Phoenix-based retail brokerage specialist Western Retail Advisors has completed a string of leases that bring the Agua Fria Plaza retail center in Phoenix’s West Valley to 100% leased. […]

Surprise gets creative to lure IKEA, Swedish meatballs to West Valley

Audrey Jensen, Phoenix Business Journal The city of Surprise is using an international holiday dedicated to meatballs to court one of the city’s top-requested retailers: IKEA. “When we discovered there was a Swedish Meatball Day, we thought, ‘Let’s just have some fun,’” said Surprise’s economic development director, Jeanine Jerkovic. The West Valley municipality, which […]

How downtown Phoenix compares to other cities for Covid-19 pandemic recovery

Brandon Brown, Phoenix Business Journal Activity in the downtown Phoenix area hasn’t fully recovered since before the Covid-19 pandemic but is performing better than most large cities across North America, according to recent data from the University of Toronto. Phoenix ranked No. 21 out of 63 downtowns measured, with a 72% recovery rate in the […]

Starbucks Opens Only Metro Phoenix Double Drive Through in Avondale

Western Retail Advisors completes lease for new Indian School Road location Leading retail brokerage firm Western Retail Advisors (WRA) has completed the lease for a new Starbucks in Avondale, Arizona, featuring the Valley’s first-ever Starbucks double drive through with two order points. The lease relocates Starbucks from an adjacent, undersized store into a larger, 3,070-square-foot […]

Mountainside Fitness set to start work on biggest Arizona fitness center

Angela Gonzales, Phoenix Business Journal Mountainside Fitness plans to open its biggest Arizona fitness center to date. The Scottsdale-based health club just signed a 50,320-square-foot lease to take over a former Albertson’s grocery store at Scottsdale Towne Center, built by Vestar at the southeast corner of the Pima Freeway and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. The […]

Bed Bath & Beyond locations shuttered around Valley could be in high demand

Ron Davis, Phoenix Business Journal The bankruptcy of home goods retailers Bed Bath & Beyond and Buybuy Baby will leave more than 10 big box spaces vacant in the Valley. Retailers, landlords, and commercial brokers could see an opportunity to write the next chapter of those empty buildings Generally, a Bed Bath & Beyond store […]

Target, Harkins Theatres on wish list for huge Buckeye shopping center, documents show

Audrey Jensen, Phoenix Business Journal A rendering shows the design for the planned Verrado Marketplace in Buckeye, which will be developed and operated similar to the developer’s other projects in the Valley, such as Desert Ridge Marketplace. A new Target, Harkins Theatres and more could be some of the first tenants secured for the planned […]

Target, Kohl’s and more confirmed for fast-growing retail center in Surprise

Audrey Jensen, Phoenix Business Journal The new Village at Prasada shopping center will bring new restaurants, stores and entertainment options to the Loop 303 area in Surprise. Target, Kohls, Boot Barn and more are bringing new stores to the fast-growing Prasada shopping centers in Surprise that are being developed by Scottsdale-based national retail developer SimonCRE. […]

New Valley downtown project secures several tenants through new partnership

Audrey Jensen, Phoenix Business Journal SimonCRE has partnered with Carefree Partners to develop the first phase of the Surprise City Center in the West Valley Scottsdale-based SimonCRE has jumped on board with Phoenix-based Carefree Partners to develop a portion of the Surprise City Center in the West Valley. The companies have formed a joint venture to develop […]

PHOENIX RETAIL IS FLYING HIGH

Demand abounds but inventory is tight as construction works to catch up WESTERN REAL ESTATE BUSINESS May 2023 By Ryan Desmond, Partner, Western Retail Advisors Metro Phoenix’s population grew faster than any other major U.S. city between 2010 and 2020. In 2021, the Valley’s 1.48 percent population growth continued to far exceed the […]

Telling the Community’s Story: Attracting Retailers to Rural Locations

ICSC Commerce + Communities Today by Paul Bergeron March 22, 2023 For national retailers that have saturated urban areas or that struggle to find available space to lease, rural areas provide runway to new consumers. “The economics are often better on real estate in rural areas,” said Lisa Christianson, president and owner of Christianson & […]

From Los Arcos to Paradise Valley to Metrocenter, Phoenix- area mall sites are making a comeback

Corina Vanek Arizona Republic May 1, 2023 Metro Phoenix is in the midst of a mall renaissance. Shopping malls were once a main venue for entertainment, attracting shoppers into large department stores, catering to a wide variety of people eating in the food court and boasting other offerings, like skate parks, movie theaters and arcades. […]

Two new restaurants sign on to open at Village at Prasada shopping center in Surprise

Two new sit-down restaurants have been unveiled for the planned 700,000-square- foot shopping, entertainment and dining center in Surprise, Village at Prasada, which is nearly 100% leased. The two new restaurants, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria and Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, will be located within the development’s restaurant row, Street Fare at Alexandria. This will be the […]

Village at Prasada in Surprise gets 2 new restaurants

SimonCRE, a national commercial real estate development and acquisition firm, has released that it has signed two more restaurants, Lou Malnati’s and Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, to be added to the Street Fare at Alexandria. Located in the upcoming retail center Village at Prasada in Surprise, this restaurant hub is centrally located to provide Surprise […]

Multiple commercial projects coming to Peoria

Press release provided by Harkins Theatres / Mark Boisclair Originally published February 2, 2022 Scottsdale-based Harkins Theatres is looking to open another new location in the West Valley. Big projects are on their way to Peoria, the fast-growing suburb just northwest of Phoenix. The city has had several developments in the works over the past […]

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WRA is hiring! Our team is collaborative, driven, fun, and forward-thinking and we are looking to add new team members to both offices.

Nike Unite

Nike Unite Coming Soon to Desert Ridge Marketplace

Nike Unite will open this fall at Desert Ridge Marketplace in the District near Copper Blues Live and Dave & Buster’s. Nike brings inspiration and innovation to every athlete. Experience sports, training, shopping, and everything else that’s new at Nike in men’s, women’s and kids apparel and footwear. The 13,602 square-foot retailer joins Desert Ridge […]

Etta to Debut this Fall at Scottsdale Quarter

The Team Behind Maple& Ash Set to Open Second Scottsdale Restaurant etta, a neighborhood-style restaurant known for its wood-fired dishes and led by two-time Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant is coming to Scottsdale Quarter in Fall 2021. Located at Scottsdale Quarter in the former BRIO location, etta will be the second concept in Scottsdale from hospitality […]

Medtail Clients at Western Retail Advisors

Where you once would go to a medical office building to visit your doctor, you can now find your local dentist, physical therapist, or acupuncturist popping up at your neighborhood-anchored retail center. This new concept coined “Medtail” where retail meets medical, is quickly popping up in retail centers across the U.S. Now more than ever, […]

Sephora Coming Soon to Tempe Marketplace

ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL THINGS BEAUTY Sephora is an innovative destination to discover the latest and greatest from the beauty industry. Since its debut in North America more than 20 years ago, Sephora has been a leader in creating an inviting atmosphere for shoppers – all while fearlessly inspiring their surrounding communities. Shoppers can […]

Costco’s opening in Surprise was long-time coming

When you want something bad enough, sometimes driving to another state to get it is worth it. That was the thinking of Las Vegas-resident Steve Jones, who had been eying a golf cart caddy guided by GPS that follows golfers around the course and carries the clubs. He wanted it so bad, in fact, he […]

Phoenix Accepting Grant Applications to Help Small Businesses!

The City of Phoenix is amplifying its efforts to get the word out about an assistance program it has created through CARES Act funding. The Phoenix City Council established a $6 million fund to help impacted commercial customers with properties in the city limits in paying city services bills, chiefly water and sewer charges. The […]

Ultimate Moviegoing is Back! All Arizona Theatres Added to Reopening

Harkins Theatres Welcome Guests Back to the Magic of the Movies beginning on August 28 Contact: Jessica Reeves – jessicareeves@harkins.com, 480.627.7777 x117 Scottsdale, AZ, August 25, 2020 – Harkins Theatres, Arizona’s homegrown movie theatre company is thrilled to welcome guests back to the Ultimate Moviegoing experience beginning this Friday, August 28 at all Arizona theatres. […]

Demand Action

#SaveYourCinema- The COVID-19 pandemic has put movie theaters across the country at risk of going dark for good. From small independent screens to nationwide exhibitors, our local theaters employ over 150,000 people and have formed a cornerstone of the American experience for generations. Without swift action from Congress our favorite theaters could close forever, depriving […]

WRA Brokers $3.3 Million Sale of Wendy’s in Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Ariz. — SRS Real Estate Partners has arranged the sale of a single-tenant restaurant property located at 15416 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale. A Texas-based private investor sold the asset to an undisclosed buyer for $3.3 million. Built in 1996, the 3,386-square-foot building features a drive-thru. Wendy’s occupies the property on a corporate-guaranteed, triple-net lease […]

Tempe Marketplace adds Three new tenants

AZ BIG MEDIA | 12 Jul | EXPERIENCE AZ Although COVID-19 has had profound effects on many retail properties nationwide, Tempe Marketplace continues to expand. The center will debut three new tenants – Sephora, Fox in a Box Escape Room and NUTRISHOP – as part of its evolving shopping, dining and entertainment mix. Sephora, the […]

Total Wine Comes to River Marketplace in Lafayette, LA

SRSA – Posted on July 31, 2020 Kirsten Early and Stephanie Hilferty of SRSA Commercial Real Estate, with Master Broker Neil Board of Western Retail Advisors, represented the tenant Total Wine in the lease transaction at River Marketplace, 4407 Ambassador Caffery Parkway in Lafayette, LA. Rhonda Sharkawy and Lauren Ryan of Stirling Properties represented the […]

Total Wine & More opens in Lafayette this Week

The Advocate – by Megan Wyatt, Staff Writer August 3, 2020 – 12:57 PM Total Wine & More, the country’s largest independent fine wine retailer, will open its second Louisiana location this week in Lafayette’s River Marketplace at the corner of Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Kaliste Saloom Road. The Lafayette store boasts about 30,000 square […]

THE BLOC in Downtown LA Adds lululemon to the Retail Line Up with Help of Western Retail Advisors

Los Angeles, CA (August 5, 2020) – A new lululemon Pop Up is now open at The Bloc, a vibrant, growing, inclusive community, a LEED™ certified Gold project, and an inflection point in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Encompassing a full city block along LA’s iconic 7th Street corridor, The Bloc connects the financial, […]

Western Retail Advisors Helps Bob’s Discount Furniture Open Four New-to-Market Stores.

All four stores are set to open across the Valley of the Sun by Labor Day. PHOENIX, AZ (August 3, 2020) – Bob’s Discount Furniture, one of the fastest growing furniture retailers in the country, will celebrate its first four store openings in Arizona this month. The first-to-market Desert Ridge Marketplace store is opening this […]

7 Trends Emerging in Post-COVID Consumer Real Estate

We are witnessing sweeping changes in the consumer real estate sector. Some have come as a result of Covid-19, but this pandemic has only accelerated most. As we learned a dozen years ago, recessions can throw open the door to opportunities for market disruption. After the Great Recession, two unicorn companies were launched: Airbnb and […]

Details on the New Small Business Aid Package and Strategies and Ideas to Continue Through This Pause

National Small Business Town Hall from Inc. & U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Resources By: Sean Ludwig, CO— Contributor This week, Congress passed a new $484 billion coronavirus aid package that includes $310 billion in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP — part of the CARES Act — was designed […]

Western Retail Advisors Supports Clients & Friends

In gratitude for those special moments when you’ve had cause to celebrate, needed comfort food fast, or went out for a perfect family gathering at your favorite eatery – consider lending a helping hand to restaurants when they need it most. Below we’ve collected a list of our clients and friends who need you to […]

Grants Up To $10,000 Available To Some Phoenix Small Businesses

By Corina Vanek – Reporter, Phoenix Business Journal Apr 14, 2020 Phoenix IDA, formerly known as the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority, is offering grants up to $10,000 for Phoenix-based small businesses impacted by the closures due to novel coronavirus. The organization — which has partnered with the Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona Public Service Co. […]

1031 Deadline Extension

On April 9, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-23 Providing Additional Relief for Taxpayers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone with a 45-Day Exchange Period or 180-Day Exchange Period deadline between April 1 and July 15, 2020 will have an automatic extension to July 15th. Unfortunately, taxpayers with deadlines in February and March […]

Local First Arizona Launches Small Business Relief Fund

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Local First Arizona and its community partners are launching a fund to provide mini-grants to Arizona’s smallest, locally owned, independent enterprises. These micro-entrepreneurs — businesses with 0-3 employees and less than $250,000 in annual revenue (approximately $35k-$45k in net profits) — need immediate assistance to sustain the impact from […]

Andrew Lundahl Joins Western Retail Advisors As Director Of Investment Sales

PRESS RELEASE PHOENIX, AZ (April 6, 2020) – Western Retail Advisors, a premier commercial real estate brokerage group with offices in Arizona & California, is bolstering its Investment Sales group with the addition of Andrew Lundahl to the firm. Lundahl will be joining the firm as the Director of Investment Sales where he will […]

A Message From Our Founder

Dear Clients, Partners, and Team members: I want to share my heartfelt thoughts for the people who have lost loved ones and jobs from this horrible pandemic. The pain of the virus is very personal for me. My father succumbed to complications from COVID-19 on Monday morning. Not every son gets to hear […]

JOIN #TheGreatAmericanTakeout For Seconds on 3/31

America’s restaurants need our help! The coronavirus poses a significant threat to the future of an industry that employs more than 15 million Americans. That’s why a coalition of restaurants is asking for help. Tuesday, March 31, we’re asking everyone in America to show their support for the restaurant industry by joining #TheGreatAmericanTakeout […]

Here’s What The $2 Trillion Economic Stimulus Plan Does For Restaurants

Article Originally Posted on Restaurant-Hospitality.com Lisa Jennings | Mar 27, 2020 A massive $2 trillion economic stimulus package designed to offer some relief for the millions of laid off workers and the nation’s small businesses was passed by the House of Representatives on Friday and sent to the President’s desk, where it will likely get […]

US Chamber of Commerce CARES Act – Guide & Checklist

March 31, 2020 – The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain […]

Update on COVID-19 Impact on Commercial Real Estate Clients

March 31, 2020 – Hartman Simons & Wood Faced with the unprecedented fall out from COVID-19, our real estate owners, landlords, tenants, lenders, borrowers and other clients are making real-time decisions based on the economic, governmental, public health and legal realities of the current situation. The environment is ever-evolving. In some instances, government authorities have […]

Senate Passes Updated Economic Relief Plan (CARES Act) for Individuals and Businesses

March 26, 2020 The U.S. Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. An outline of the key provisions of the CARES Act is available here along with a letter from the President of ICSC.

Here’s What Your Restaurant Business Insurance May (Or May Not) Cover During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Article Originally Posted on NRN.com Mar 25, 2020 Joanna Fantozzi | Lawyers weigh in on whether restaurants will be able to cash in on business interruption insurance during the COVID-19 panic. As restaurants have shut down across the United States in response to city and statewide coronavirus-related lockdown mandates, business owners are wondering if this disaster […]

Here’s Where Restaurants and Workers Can Get Relief Funding During Coronavirus

Article originally posted on FSR Magazine.com MARCH 24, 2020 RACHEL PITTMAN While federal stimulus packages are in the works, it could be awhile before governmental bodies agree on an approach, and before restaurants and other businesses see any cash. A ROSTER OF FUNDING PROGRAMS HAVE CROPPED UP TO HELP RESTAURANTS THROUGH THE PANDEMIC. […]

JOIN #TheGreatAmericanTakeout on 3/24

America’s restaurants need our help! The coronavirus poses a significant threat to the future of an industry that employs more than 15 million Americans. That’s why a coalition of restaurants is asking for help. Tuesday 3/24 restaurants across the country are asking for your support by ordering takeout during the #thegreatamericantakeout Order […]

‘Do we still have to pay rent?’ Retailers grapple with closed stores and coronavirus

Article originally posted on CNBC.com March 22, 2020 | Lauren Thomas KEY POINTS 1) Dozens of retailers are temporarily closing their stores, marking what is being described as an unprecedented situation. 2) This raises the question: Will these companies still be expected to pay rent? 3) COVID-19 will lead to a lot of negotiating […]

THEATER OWNERS URGE CONGRESS TO MOVE QUICKLY ON AID; PLEDGE $1 MILLION TO MOVIE THEATER EMPLOYEES

March 20, 2020 (Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, Calif.- 18 March 2020) The movie theater industry and its employees ask for Congress and the Administration to urgently consider the following immediate relief measures, which we hope will allow the industry and its 150,000 employees, who live and work in practically every Congressional District, to weather […]

Facebook Offering $100 Million in Cash Grants and Ad Credits to Help Small Businesses During the COVID-19 Outbreak

March 20,2020 Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. HOW THE PROGRAM CAN HELP Examples: – Keep your workforce going strong – Help with your rent costs – Connect with more customers – Cover operational costs […]

Small Business Administration to Offer Disaster Assistance to Small Businesses Amid COVID-19 Impact

March 20,2020 The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Arizona small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare […]

Vizzda Proudly Serves Western Retail Advisors

Western Retail Advisors built their company with firsthand retail experience, in-depth market knowledge, established relationships, and a commitment to best-in-industry technology. These essential components are what set them apart from the rest. Since 2001, their full-service commercial real estate brokerage company has helped clients analyze and predict market trends, scout favorable locations and manage multiple, […]

Harkins Sizzle Reel

Harkins Theatres Announces New Luxury Megaplex in Phoenix’s Laveen Village

By Brandon Brown – Reporter, Phoenix Business Journal Apr 10, 2019, 1:32am EDT Hometown movie chain Harkins Theatres is bringing a new multiplex to west Phoenix with shows likely ready for the screen in 2020. Company head Dan Harkins — alongside Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and councilmembers Michael Nowakowski and Felicita Mendoza — announced Tuesday at Cesar Chavez High School in south Phoenix the company would open a theater in […]

Meow Wolf to bring hotel, immersive art venue to Roosevelt Row

Meow Wolf to bring hotel, immersive art venue to Roosevelt Row Latest project one of several in the works downtown for Phoenix developer Meow Wolf, an interactive, immersive art experience, is planning to open an exhibition, event space and hotel in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. PROVIDED BY MEOW WOLF By Corina Vanek – Reporter, Phoenix Business Journal […]

America’s Friendliest Big City Now Rocks a Legitimately Cool Downtown

https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/is-phoenix-worth-visiting America’s Friendliest Big City Now Rocks a Legitimately Cool Downtown By MATT MELTZERPublished On 02/15/2019 @mmeltrez PHOENIX USED TO BE AMERICA’S CANCUN. You’d fly in and check into a resort, where you’d presumably spend the next three days sipping 1,000-calorie daiquiris poolside, along with a cohort of divorcees on Eat, Pray, Love-esque journeys. Maybe you’d venture into […]

Bluhawk Names Western Retail Advisors for Retail & Restaurant Leasing Ahead of ICSC Conference Participation and Tenant Meetings

Continues Strong Bluhawk Momentum in Recent Weeks OVERLAND PARK, KS; November 19, 2018 – Bluhawk development named Western Retail Advisors as its exclusive leasing company for retail and restaurant space at the exceptional mixed-use development in Overland Park, Kansas. Western Retail Advisors’ leasing responsibilities will include strategic retail and restaurant space for […]

Uniqlo to Open First Downtown LA Location

Uniqlo to open first downtown LA location BY MARIANNE WILSON August 8, 2018 Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo is coming to hip and happening downtown Los Angeles The retailer will open a store this fall at The Bloc, an open-air shopping and entertainment destination in the heart of the city’s downtown area. The 12,000 -sq.-ft., two-level location […]

New Tenant at Desert Ridge Marketplace | Copper Blues + Stand Up Live Opening Fall 2018

This fall, two great concepts come together to bring you the ultimate entertainment experience at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Located in The District, CB Live will boast an elevated cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere featuring live entertainment, from stand-up comedy to national music tours, cabaret performances and much more. CB Live, Nearly 11,000 SF, Will Join […]

The Corners of Brookfield Wins Best New Development

The Corners of Brookfield Wins Best New Development By Melanie Lawder – Reporter, Milwaukee Business Journal On a frigid Saturday afternoon this past March, 4,000 children and adults convened in the market square at The Corners of Brookfield lifestyle center for its first-ever Bunny Bash, braving the cool temperatures to hunt for treats. While a […]

Harkins Theatres Announces Unprecedented $150 Million Circuit-wide Theatre Enhancement Initiative

Upgrades include Ultimate Loungers™, In-Lobby Bars, Reserved Seating, Large Format Screens – CINÉ1™, enhanced technology and upscale décor Press Contacts: Jessica Reeves – jessicareeves@harkins.com, 480.627.7777 x117 Morgan Sales – morgansales@harkins.com, 480.627.7777 x106 Scottsdale, AZ: March 26, 2018 – Harkins Theatres, the largest privately-owned theatre chain in the country, announced today plans to invest over […]

Dave & Busters to open at The Gateway

http://fox13now.com/2018/04/02/dave-busters-to-open-at-the-gateway/ SALT LAKE CITY – The popular Dave & Busters restaurant and arcade will open its doors May 14 in Salt Lake City at the Gateway. Vestar is the Gateway’s parent company. It is investing $100 million in renovations for the mall. Dave & Busters is set to open its doors after it adds 250 […]