Westfield Mall Kicks Off Summer With New Stores And Events

April 15, 2010

1240

By Carisa Biesecker

Walking around Westfield Brandon on a Saturday evening, one would never think the economy was in a slump, with heavy foot traffic bustling its way through the mall, which makes it no surprise that five new stores are coming to its property. Unveiling throughout the upcoming summer and fall months, Tsunami Japanese Steak House will be situated within the Restaurant Courtyard, offering Japanese-style fare; Oakley – selling everything from footwear to sunglasses to clothing branded Oakley – and Venetian Jewelers will be located at the center court; Blondie’s Cookies will find a home near Sears and the Westfield Play Space, selling fresh-baked cookies and brownies; and Bellagio Jewelers will be near JCPenney. With the addition of these five stores, the 1.15 million-sq.-ft. Westfield Brandon, owned by the Australian-based Westfield Group whose assets span Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, will accommodate more than 200 specialty stores. Having opened in 1995 at 459 Brandon Town Center, the mall continues to welcome some 10 million shoppers through its doors annually.“As you see with these new additions, Westfield Brandon continues to add shops and restaurants that shoppers are requesting,” states Director of Marketing Dawn Arvidson.Besides the storefront additions, Westfield Brandon will also incorporate a few activities that aren’t taxing on the wallet. For those music lovers out there, stop by the Restaurant Courtyard on either Friday, April 16 or 23, from 5-7 p.m. and hear live music. Children can turn their attention to arts and crafts, face painting and balloon artists and adults can listen to free tunes and gather freebies from restaurants and retailers. Attendees will be able to register to win a $1,000 Westfield shopping spree. “Spring is such a beautiful time and our restaurants offer great outdoor dining options,” adds Arvidson. “It’s lots of fun!”Also coming is the Seventh Annual Math at the Mall on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. During this event, Westfield Brandon and the Hillsborough County Elementary Mathematics Council team up to provide hundreds of area students, ranging from kindergarten-fifth grade, a forum in which to display their skills. Students are welcome to register for the free event outside Dick’s Sporting Goods, with the first 200 registrants to receive a free kid’s meal from California Pizza Kitchen, which is also donating 20 percent of the day’s proceeds towards the council upon diners’ presentation of the group’s fundraiser flyer when ordering. “Westfield Brandon supports our local students in many ways – and this event is one such way. Students and parents love the idea of being involved in a learning scavenger hunt at the center,” comments Arvidson. Lastly, GrillSmith is hosting Wednesday Night Live with music from 5-9 p.m., $5 appetizers and a “happy hour” from 4 p.m.-close. The happy hour will transpire across the rest of the week from 4-7 p.m. For more information, visit www.westfield.com/brandon or call 661-5100.