Jordan Creek Mall is a top 5 retail location in the USA by revenue? As malls across the country die off, why is Jordan Creek Town Center growing and what does 2024 have in store? Randy Tennison, General Manager tells us what the year looks like and why they’re at 99% occupancy!
Tennison gives the rundown of new stores opening last 2023 and into 2024 like Urban Outfitters, Madewell, and Lego. He gives an outlook of employment challenges and explains why Jordan Creek is a travel destination for not just Iowa, but neighboring states.
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Brick and Mortar Retail In Iowa
Tennison offers insights into the evolving retail landscape in Iowa. Despite the rise of online shopping, Tennison notes a post-pandemic resurgence in brick-and-mortar shopping. He attributes this to people’s desire for tactile experiences and social interactions, which are absent in online shopping.
Jordan Creek Mall’s success, Tennison explains, stems from offering more than just shopping. The mall focuses on creating an encompassing experience, including food, entertainment venuues like an aquarium and theater, and activities like yoga events in stores like Lululemon and Athleta.
Retailers at Jordan Creek Mall are blending online and physical experiences, encouraging customers to visit stores for pickups, returns, and trying out products. Tennison emphasizes the importance of this omnichannel approach in modern retail.
Tennison discusses improvements in inventory management post-pandemic, leading to fewer supply chain issues. He also highlights the economic stability and growth in the Des Moines area, contributing to the center’s success and making it a top location for many national retailers.
Why Major Brands Like Jordan Creek Mall
With attractions like Top Golf and a robust lineup of retailers, Jordan Creek is drawing visitors from across the Midwest, transforming West Des Moines into a regional shopping destination. A destination that people across the state and surrounding states come to visit.
Jordan Creek, inclusive of its various districts, generates over half a billion dollars in annual sales, reflecting its significant impact on the local economy, but they are facing a few challenges as they prepare for the Holiday shopping season: staffing.
Jordan Creek Mall is now 99% leased as it accommodates new national tenants and further expands its offerings, but that growth means they need to staff-up amidst staffing shortages across the country.
Tennison explains how he has been interacting with brands to help them hire more Iowans and increase pay.
Lego Store Image Courtesy Leif Jørgensen, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons