A long line of customers waited outside of Wednesday to kick off the grand reopening celebrating completion of an $8.5 million renovation.
The new store includes wider aisles, brighter decorating, fewer dividing walls, spacious fitting rooms, cushioned chairs for shoppers and new product brands.
The woman’s shoe section is one of the biggest transformations in the store. The department went from 7,800 square feet to over 17,000 square feet and showcases many new styles and brands, including Vince Camuto, Coach, Michael Kors, Steve Madden, and Fergalicious.
The festivities included live music and the first 1,000 customers received a complimentary gift. Guests were entered to win prizes including a pair of Packers tickets, diamond earrings and a $1,000 shopping spree.
Speeches were given by Greendale Village President John Hermes, Southridge Manager Mary Mokwa, and Bon-Ton Stores Executive Vice President of Stores Steve Byers.
"For nearly seven years our Village leaders have been committed to exploring the various options for reenergizing and revitalizing Southridge Mall and the surrounding 76th street corridor," Hermes said. "This renovation of Boston Store helps symbolize another major game changer. It will help lead the way in our multi-façade efforts to return to Wisconsin to the largest most dominant regional mall."
Boston Store manager Peg Klieforth, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that what stands out most is the open floor plan creating the feeling of more shopping space.
The festivities will go on all week. in a runway fashion show at Boston Store at noon on Aug. 25 in a runway fashion show.
This is one of the latest store renovations at Southridge Mall, to go along with the $52 million makeover of the mall. The Village of Greendale approved a $16 million dollar TIF district in December 2010 to help the renovation. A $3 million TIF district was also approved for Boston Store renovations. Boston Store also plans to renovate the exterior entrances.
last March. A
