Category Archives: Woodland Mall

Woodland Mall, New Hope Baptist Church partner for Black History Month ‘Live Museum’

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Education, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall,
African-American legends will “appear” at Woodland Mall during Black History Month thanks to reinactors from New Hope Baptist Church. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

African-American legends will “appear” at Woodland Mall during Black History Month thanks to reinactors from New Hope Baptist Church. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

Jay Z, Tina Turner,  Coco Gauff and Congressman John Lewis will be among the African-American legends “appearing” at Woodland Mall during Black History Month — thanks to a special partnership with New Hope Baptist Church.


 
Woodland Mall and New Hope Baptist Church are partnering to bring a “live museum” to the mall on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 2 to 5 p.m.  The one-day only exhibit will feature actors portraying notable and important African-American figures in politics, sports, science, arts, entertainment and other areas.


 
Ranging in age from 10 to 72, the actors are all volunteers from New Hope Baptist Church in Grand Rapids.


 
“We are proud to partner with New Hope Baptist Church for the eighth year of this great event,” said Cecily McCabe, marketing director for the Woodland Mall. “The live museum gives our guests the opportunity to learn through personal connections. We look forward to the talents of the volunteers who work so hard to create a memorable event.”


 
During the live museum, actors and volunteers will portray African-American figures in history and current culture. The performers bring their persona to life by adopting mannerisms and speaking from a script. Interaction will be limited to the script so performers can fully immerse themselves as the people they are portraying.


 
“The performers work hard for the weeks leading up to the event each year,” said Rev. Dr. Howard Earle, Jr., senior pastor at New Hope Baptist Church and visionary of the African-American live museum. “The community looks forward to this event as an opportunity to help educate our community and to share the wonderful talents of our volunteers.”


 
The event, Earle said, impacts everyone in the community, generating a sense of pride that spans generations.

 
 
“Events like the live museum demonstrate the importance of diversity in our country,” Earle explained. “African-Americans are an integral part of all professions and have made significant contributions to our cultural identity – from science to politics to entertainment. We’re confident everyone will not only learn something at this event, but enjoy it as well.”


 
The live museum is free inside the Woodland Mall, and everyone is welcome to attend. Throughout the history of the event, no figures have been repeated, with one exception. Former President Barack Obama was first seen early in his administration and again in 2017 as he exited office.

For more information visit shopwoodlandmall.com.

Woodland Mall plans season-long holiday festivities for shoppers, families

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Business, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall,
There will be lots of photo ops with Santa and kids at Woodland Mall this season.

By Woodland Mall

After opening the new Von Maur wing, first-to-market retailers and The Cheesecake Factory this fall, Woodland Mall continues its celebrations into the holiday season with a packed schedule of events for all to enjoy.
 
Photos with Santa, princess and Star Wars-themed events, live music and gift-wrapping fundraisers will deck the halls and help spread holiday cheer at Woodland Mall now to the new year.

“With festive decorations, extended hours and a variety of activities fit for the season, Woodland Mall is a fun destination for shoppers of all ages to get into the holiday spirit,” said Marketing Director Cecily McCabe. “This year especially has been a continuous celebration with all the wonderful new retailers, restaurants and features we have added.

“We’re excited to multiply the magic of the holidays for those re-experiencing Woodland Mall and all it has to offer this season.”

Photos with Santa for Everyone

As one of the most iconic holiday events, Santa Claus returns to his seat in the heart of the Arctic Forest, which is located in Center Court this year, ready to take photos with shoppers of all ages through Christmas Eve. Visitors can also visit with Ursa, the enormous 12-foot polar bear decked with thousands of holiday lights, while they wait to see Santa.

Families are welcome to bring their “fur babies” along for photos with Santa on Mondays through Dec. 16. Feathered, whiskered and hooved pets are welcome too. Santa has heard Christmas wishes from cats, chickens and even goats! All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.

Star Wars, Princess and other themed events

Insta Holiday — Shoppers are invited to Insta Holiday at Woodland Mall, a three day-event packed with activities you will love. Events include glow-in-the-mall silent discos hosted by WSNX with DJ CHOFF, a selfie scavenger hunt, sequin wall art contest and multiple chances to receive giveaways and win concert tickets.

The event will take place Dec. 12-14 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
 
Snowflake Social — Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Woodland Mall is getting into the holiday spirit with fun for all ages! Enjoy a festive Starbucks hot chocolate with all the fun toppings at our hot cocoa bar, festive activities with Kent District Library, winter wonderland crafts and live holiday music from the Salvation Army Band. Guests can also receive a light-up candy cane with a visit to Santa Claus, while supplies last.

Winter Princess Party with Santa — Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a winter wonderland party for your favorite little princess. Attendees will get to meet three real winter princesses, enjoy a wintry take-home craft, enjoy live holiday music, make their own princess crown and receive a light-up princess wand. For exclusive access into this enchanted event, guests can simply purchase any Santa Photo Package now through Dec. 12 and present the receipt. Visit shopwoodlandmall.com/holiday to skip the lines and purchase a fast-pass for photos with Santa.

Star Wars Day — Woodland Mall is calling all Star Wars fans to dress up as their favorite hero or villain on Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to 1 p.m. for Star Wars Character Day. Participants will have the chance to meet and interact with 10 Star Wars characters, who will also be available for photos.

Enjoy holiday music

The Salvation Army Band will also perform in the Macy’s wing on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 to 12 p.m.

Additionally, Von Maur will host a holiday jazz concert on Dec. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. for shoppers to enjoy while selecting the perfect gifts for loved ones.

Get gifts wrapped for a good cause

To tie everything together, the Purple Community Gift Wrapping Fundraiser will take place on the weekends of Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 in the JCPenney wing near Altar’d State. Shoppers are invited to bring gifts large and small on those Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to be wrapped in exchange for a cash donation benefitting the Van Andel Institute’s biomedical research and science education.

The mall will have special extended hours to ensure that guests are able to get all their shopping completed before the holiday. Please visit shopwoodlandmall.com for a full list of updated holiday hours.

Woodland Mall new Von Maur wing opens this weekend with fanfare, family fun

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Food, Going Local, Local Business, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall, ,

[huge_it_slider id=”97″]

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

After a series of soft openings and VIP/media tours of the Woodland Mall’s new Von Maur wing, the public will get a chance to explore, shop and enjoy a series of special events this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13.

Woodland Mall is located in Kentwood at the intersection of East Beltline and 28th Street SW.

In addition to the Von Maur department store, other new or newly relocated retail businesses in the Von Maur wing include Williams Sonoma, Urban Outfitters and Paddle North — and Black Rock Bar and Grill will officially open. (Spoiler alert: The Cheesecake Factory is opening its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 5.)

Among the highlights of a Thursday media tour was a visit to the expanded classroom and event kitchen at Williams Sonoma (events to be announced soon), a unique self-checkout option at Urban Outfitters (instruction available) and inflatable paddle boards at Paddle North (which fit into an amazingly lite bag).

Among the Saturday events are the official opening of Von Maur with a ribbon cutting at 9:45 a.m.; family entertainment in the wing from noon to 2 p.m., including a balloon artist, hula hoop performer Cosmic Candy treats and a Claire Bear character; and a create a little harvest monster craft event at the JCPenney Kids Zone.

Among the Sunday events are live music with Lana Chalfoun at 1 p.m.; a “Torrid Fashion Show” at 2 p.m.; DJ music from 3-6 p.m.

For a complete list of events visit shopwoodlandmall.com/calendar .

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Faces, Voices, Woodland Mall

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“A drowning man will clutch at a straw.”      


Sir Thomas More (1478-1535)

Elements of survival

The VOICES Airstream parked at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Heartside

WKTV VOICES visited the Heartside district, and one of the many things we learned is that being homeless is exhausting. Go here to read and listen to what some Heartside residents and workers have to say about their experiences.

Time’s running out
to share your vision

City leaders are looking for community input on the future of the City of Wyoming, and will be hosting another Wyoming [Re]Imagined meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 6-8pm at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, Wyoming. More details here.

Well, isn’t that grand?

Woodland Mall sketch new entrance Von Maur wing 2019 (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

This fall, shoppers will enjoy the long-anticipated grand opening of first-to-portfolio department store Von Maur and the expansion of what will be known as the Von Maur wing at Woodland Mall, along with The Cheesecake Factory as a new dining anchor. Read all about it here.

Fun fact:

232 years

He was a very good boy

The number of years by which Adwaita outlived Lord Clive.


Adwaita was an ancient Aldabra giant tortoise, who was ostensibly gifted to Robert Clive of the East India Company by British seafarers who captured it from Aldabra, an atoll in the Seychelles. 


Lord Clive later became an opium addict and committed suicide in 1774 at the age of 49.


Adwaita’s shell cracked in 2005, and he died from infection and liver failure in 2006. At the time of his death, he was estimated to be between 150-255 years old.


If the topmost number is to be believed, then Adwaita outlived Clive by 232 years.


Woodland Mall redevelopment continues with (big) grand openings in October

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Business, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall,
Woodland Mall sketch new entrance Von Maur wing 2019 (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

This fall, shoppers will enjoy the long-anticipated grand opening of first-to-portfolio department store Von Maur and the expansion of what will be known as the Von Maur wing at Woodland Mall, along with The Cheesecake Factory as a new dining anchor.

“Over the past two years, we have invested $100 million in order to continue to create a premium shopping experience in the changing retail environment,” said Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director. “Many of our major redevelopment efforts will soon culminate with the opening of the Von Maur wing and The Cheesecake Factory, along with a number of other destination retailers and an experiential dining offering.

“If you have not visited us recently, now is a great time to come and rediscover Woodland Mall.”

Saturday, Oct. 12, will be an important date to save as several retailers plan to host grand opening events, including Von Maur, Urban Outfitters, Williams-Sonoma, Tricho Salon and Paddle North. The Cheesecake Factory is set to open Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Destination retailer Von Maur will occupy 90,000 square feet in the former Sears space. The location will be the high-end department store’s first in the region, joining a series of other new-to-portfolio and new-to-market retailers at the mall.

Based in Davenport, Iowa, Von Maur is expanding its footprint across the U.S. with larger stores and new brands. The strength of the Von Maur brand lies in its wide selection of brand-name merchandise, open and attractive store design and amenities that enhance the customer experience, including free gift-wrapping year-round and easy returns.

Woodland Mall’s Von Maur will feature a live pianist, and exclusive brands such as: Kiehls, Sunday Riley, Cath Kidston, Mint Velvet, Joules, Kendra Scott, Miss Selfridge, John Hardy, Rebecca Minkoff, Nora Flemming, Kuhl, T2 and Coast.

Known around the globe for its extensive menu, generous portions and legendary desserts, The Cheesecake Factory will occupy 8,500 square feet in Woodland Mall next to Barnes & Noble. The Kentwood location will be the restaurant’s second in Michigan and the only location within 50 miles.

The Cheesecake Factory features more than 250 menu selections including SkinnyLicious® dishes with 590 calories or less and Saturday and Sunday Brunch – all handmade, in-house with fresh ingredients – and more than 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts.

Lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters will open an 8,000-square-foot store in the Von Maur wing. Urban Outfitters currently operates more than 200 stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, offering experiential retail environments and a well-curated mix of women’s, men’s, accessories and home product assortments.

Woodland Mall will also welcome Paddle North to the expanded wing this fall. The Minnesota-based company offers stand-up paddle boards and accessories, as well as an array of apparel.

The award-winning steakhouse and another first-to-market restaurant Black Rock Bar & Grill will open in mid-October in the expanded Von Maur wing. As part of its immersive dining experience, guests sear their selection of meat or seafood on hot volcanic granite at their tables. This will be the Michigan-based chain’s first location in West Michigan and its ninth in the state.

Complementing these diverse retailers and restaurants will be Tricho Salon, a best-in-class salon offering a personalized experience with talented stylists and the top hair styles, designs and products, as well as makeup and waxing services. An innovator in the salon business since 2003, Tricho Salons operates 12 locations in the most sought-after markets across the United States.

This summer, Woodland Mall welcomed West Michigan’s first REI store. Within its 20,000 square feet, shoppers can explore in-demand outdoor gear, clothing and footwear. Bath & Body Works’ White Barn Shop and A’Beautiful Soul, the companion to Altar’d State offering a plus-size clothing line, also recently opened.

In addition to welcoming new retail offerings, the mall has had several retailers relocate and/or expand within the mall over the past year, including Apple, Chico’s, Hollister, J.Jill, LUSH, Shoe Dept., Sleeping Tiger, Torrid, Vans and Victoria’s Secret.

Woodland Mall also features an exclusive line-up of other retailers, such as Pottery Barn, The North Face, Dry Goods and H&M, along with several other dining establishments and Celebration! Cinema.

Shoppers can anticipate more new and seasonal store announcements throughout the year as part of its $100 million redevelopment.

Remember Woodland Mall’s ‘Bacon and Eggs’? Want to buy it for charity?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Recreation, Woodland Mall,
Kids playing on the bacon and eggs play area once at Woodland Mall. (Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

Woodland Mall is giving the community a chance to bring home the bacon – and eggs, two central pieces of its iconic play area that were retired earlier this year.

As part of its $90 million redevelopment, Woodland Mall unveiled a new friendly monster-themed play area last month. The destination shopping center retired its whimsical breakfast-themed play area in the spring to make way for new development.

The mall has donated the rest of the play area fixtures and is now inviting the community to bid on the two remaining pieces. The online bidding ends on Sunday, Sept. 15 and all proceeds will be donated to charity.

“For more than 20 years, the bacon and eggs play area held a special place in the heart of many Grand Rapids families,” said Cecily McCabe, marketing director. “Woodland Mall hopes to see these fun play features find a new home where children will continue to enjoy them for decades to come.”

Those interested can bid on the pieces here — the bacon is 5 feet long and 2.5 feet wide and the sunny-side up eggs are 10 feet long and 5 feet wide.

Woodland Mall will donate all proceeds from the sale to Kids’ Food Basket. Kids’ Food Basket provides a community solution to childhood hunger serving more than 8,200 kids each weekday in West Michigan. The program works to break the cycle of poverty and build a stronger community.

 

The original play area featured over-sized breakfast food including a waffle, sausage links, banana and cereal bowl which were donated to Berkley Hills Community Church of Grand Rapids.

 
 
“We would like to express our utmost gratitude to Woodland Mall for this act of generosity,” said Berkley Hills Church Pastor Kyle Brown. “We are excited to see how we will use this play equipment to bless the Grand Rapids community.”


 
The pieces are currently in storage while a special space is dedicated for their use within the church.


  
“While we will miss our beloved bacon and eggs, we’re delighted to support an organization like Kids’ Food Basket that helps provide good nutrition to keep kids healthy.” McCabe said. “Woodland Mall is a family-friendly destination, so we are thrilled knowing our food themed play elements will help hungry children in West Michigan.”


Bidding ends on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. and the highest bidder will receive more information regarding pick-up time and location.


 
Help Woodland Mall #BringHomeTheBacon to another family-friendly location.

Woodland Mall to open new children’s play area with parent amenities too

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Business, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall,
An artist’s rendering Woodland Mall’s new Von Maur wing, expected to open later this year. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

After retiring its well-loved “Bacon and Eggs” earlier this year, Woodland Mall is ready to unveil a new play area in the JCPenney wing.

Featuring fun forest themes, accents and features, the new play space is expected to intrigue a variety of ages from young children to pre-teens. Shoppers of all ages will be able to celebrate the new and improved play area during a grand opening event with music, giveaways and games from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 24.
   
The colorful play structure is positioned in front of a forest mural and has “friendly monsters” to meet, “rocks and vines” to climb and tunnels to crawl through. A cargo net and balance beam across the upper level lets kids pass over the lower level and see friends playing below. The new play area also includes “EZ access climbers,” an ADA-accessible feature that provides caregivers an easy way to take children up and into the playground area.

For parents and caregivers, the space will now include bar-style seating with charging stations facing the play area. Newly renovated restrooms, including nursing rooms, are being installed nearby.

“While we will miss our beloved bacon and eggs, we’re excited to have a new play area that’s even more inclusive and accessible to everyone,” said Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director. “With the new climbers, nearby nursing rooms and charging stations, we hope families will find both fun and convenience when they stop by our new play area.

“As our major redevelopment project continues, we are so excited to share our transformation and improvements with the community. Kids can play in a fun and convenient space with their friends and family.”

It will be an exciting fall as the redevelopment of Woodland Mall continues. High-end department store Von Maur will open its first location in the region in October, occupying 90,000 square feet in the former Sears space.

Following close behind will be Black Rock Bar & Grill, an award-winning steakhouse and first-to-market experiential dining experience, and a number of other retailers.

The Cheesecake Factory will open late fall, with its first location in West Michigan and second in the state.

For more information about the grand opening events, visit here.

Kentwood’s public art commission, big changes at Woodland Mall on WKTV Journal In Focus

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is the art of business — and the business of art — specifically in Kentwood but also in the region as a whole. First we catch up with the new Kentwood Arts Commission — what it does and does not do. Then, talking about new things, we catch up with Woodland Mall, where there has been a massive rejuvenation during the last couple of years and where exciting change continues.

First In Focus is the City of Kentwood Arts Commission, which was established in late 2017 and became fully active early last year. The Arts Commission is tasked with reviewing proposals for the outside display of art on private property visible from the public right of way and within the guidelines of the City of Kentwood Zoning Ordinance. With us is Terry Schweitzer, City of Kentwood’s Planning and Community Development Director.

Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe on the In Focus set with host Ken Norris. (WKTV)

Then In Focus is the Kentwood’s Woodland Mall, which is the midst of a major rejuvenation with additions large and small — the most high-profile being Von Maur’s first-in-the-region location; in fact there is a whole new wing nearing completion focused on the Von Maur addition. But that is just one aspect of what has been a busy couple of years for the local mall. With us is Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe, and we will talk with her about all the changes at Woodland and local retail climate as a whole. To see the video, (recorded in the middle of April) follow this link.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Woodland Mall to host employment event May 4

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall
An artist’s rendering Woodland Mall’s new Von Maur wing, expected to open later this year. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

Nearly 20 West Michigan employers will be at Woodland Mall on Saturday, May 4, seeking to fill 100-plus positions in the mall and around the community during an Employment Expo.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to learn about positions with local employers such as Manpower Grand Rapids, Dean Transportation, Forge Industrial Staffing, SMS Service Management Systems, EG Workforce Solutions and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Woodland Mall retailers will also be participating with employment opportunities, such as permanent positions, including full-time management roles.

Recently announced first-to-market retailer A’Beautiful Soul will be hiring, along with Chico’s, which will be revealing its remodeled space in the Von Maur Wing on May 15. LensCrafters, Buckle, JCPenney, Soma Intimates and Victoria’s Secret will also be participating.

Hourly wages for entry-level sales associate positions at the mall range from $12 to $14. The average salary for management positions is $55,000.

“We are delighted to host this expo again this year and help connect job seekers with West Michigan employers,” said Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director. “Woodland Mall is excited to participate as our own retailers offer many different career options with competitive wages for anyone interested in retail.

“It’s a great time to get involved because of the ongoing redevelopment at the mall, which is adding to our retail selections and creating a special shopping experience for consumers.”

Nearly 6,000 visitors are expected to pass through Woodland Mall on the day of the Employment Expo. Booths are still available for additional employers to participate. Registration includes free tables, chairs, wi-fi and parking. Businesses interested in registering may complete an application online.

For more information, contact McCabe at 616-430-8111 or email her at Cecily.McCabe@PREIT.com.

Woodland Mall’s near-complete redevelopment gives local retail shopping a boost

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Food, Local Business, Woodland Mall


An artist’s rendering Woodland Mall’s new Von Maur wing, expected to open later this year. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org
 

This year will be big year for Woodland Mall, with major retailers Von Maur and REI moving in, a unique restaurant opening its doors, and a general “new feel” for shoppers coming to the mall.

“As the Woodland Mall continues their redevelopment there are many new stores coming and renovation of some of the existing stores, which gives Woodland Mall a whole new feel,” Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said to WKTV. “With Von Maur and other new stores coming in 2019, Woodland Mall is the place to shop in Kentwood.”

This week, Woodland Mall management gave an update as to the status of the redevelopment and there is good news all-round — including an on-schedule opening of Von Maur in an entirely new wing of the mall, an earlier-than-anticipated opening of West Michigan’s first REI recreation gear retailer, and several new stores already opened or renovated.

“We have been hard at work diversifying the retail mix at Woodland Mall and investing in ways to continue to create a premium shopping experience,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said in supplied material. “We’ve had several new stores open since renovations began in the summer of 2017, and there are several more on the way, along with new programs and events throughout 2019.

“As our major redevelopment project continues through this fall, we are so excited to share our transformation with the community,” she said.

Retailer Von Maur, which will occupy 90,000 square feet in the former Sears space, is on schedule for an October 2019 opening. The location will be the high-end department store’s first in the region, as the Iowa-based store expands “its footprint across the U.S. with larger stores and new brands,” according to supplied information. “The strength of the Von Maur brand lies in its wide selection of brand-name merchandise, open and attractive store design, amenities that enhance the customer experience.” Von Maur’s customer experience includes free gift-wrapping year-round.
 

In 2019, shoppers can also anticipate the opening of REI, Urban Outfitters, A’Beautiful Soul, Bath & Body Works’ White Barn Shop, Black Rock Bar & Grill and more.

The opening of West Michigan’s first REI store is anticipated ahead of schedule this summer. Its 20,000 square-foot location will carry gear and clothing for activities including paddling, biking and running. Additionally, the recreation gear retailer will host workshops focused on outdoor recreation.

Also this summer, the mall plans a grand opening of Black Rock Bar & Grill in the expanded Von Maur wing. The first-to-market restaurant, according to supplied information, offers an experience in which guests sear their selection of meat or seafood on hot volcanic granite directly at their tables.

Woodland has scheduled numerous community events and programs planned all year long. Early in 2019, the mall will offer events such as a Mad Hatter tea party, photos with the Easter Bunny, employment expos, vehicle showcases and parties geared toward children, according to supplied material.
 

Later in the year, shoppers can look forward to family pet photos with Santa, Santa Fest, a Winter Princess Party and more. A new play area is also in the works.

Kentwood police help retailers prevent holiday thefts with Operation P.R.I.C.E. 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Crime Prevention, Holidays, Local Business, Woodland Mall, ,

Operation P.R.I.C.E. was launched in 2014 by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor.

By City of Kentwood 

 

In preparation of the holiday shopping season, when incidents of shoplifting and retail fraud often spikes, the Kentwood Police Department is again partnering with local store owners to prevent retail theft with Operation P.R.I.C.E., an educational program that has helped area retailers reduce crime during the holidays since 2014.

 

As part of the program, Kentwood police educate store employees on how they can discourage shoplifting and how to identify potential crime, as well as what to do when a shoplifter is caught. The partnership between police and store owners also provides increased police presence in stores and on the streets.

 

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2018 National Retail Security Survey, shoplifting was the top source of inventory shrinkage for the fourth year in a row, outpacing employee theft.

 

Operation P.R.I.C.E., which stands for Preventing Retail Theft Through Initiative, Collaboration and Enforcement, has had a proven track record in helping local businesses decrease incidents of retail fraud.

 

Kentwood Police Chief Tom Hillen says the key to the program’s success is the focus on collaborating with business owners and employees.

 

Kentwood Chief Thomas Hillen. (Supplied)

“At the end of the day, we are working toward the same goal: reducing crime in our community,” Hillen said. “By proactively engaging with business owners and employees, and having open communication early on, we are able to equip them with knowledge and skills needed to help prevent crime. Being able to increase police presence at their shops also helps discourage theft.”

 

This year, Operation P.R.I.C.E. will run from Nov. 24 through Jan. 4. During this time, participating retailers will have posters and signs displayed declaring their partnership with the Kentwood Police Department. Shoppers will also see police officers in and around the community’s prime retail destinations, such as Woodland Mall.

 

Woodland Mall in Kentwood.

“Operation P.R.I.C.E. has been well-received by retailers and shoppers at Woodland Mall,” said Tony DeLuccia, Woodland Mall general manager. “Beyond the increased police presence in and around the mall, store owners have appreciated the education police provide on how to spot potential shoplifters to keep theft down during the busy holiday season.

 

“We’ve found the proactive approach of the program combined with the mutual respect between officers and retailers to be empowering for employees. The personal connections made with officers help employees feel more comfortable calling for assistance when they notice suspicious activity.”

 

Operation P.R.I.C.E. was launched in 2014 by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor.

 

The program has since grown beyond 28th Street in recent years, extending to 29th Street and doubling in participating businesses to more than 70 the past two years. Initially, calls for police services increased, resulting in more retail fraud arrests as store owners and employees used police as a resource. More recently, police have seen retail theft during the holidays on a downward trend.

 

“The apparent decline in retail theft during the holiday season is a result of proactive policing activities from the P.R.I.C.E. task force,” Hillen said. “Retailers are becoming familiar with how to file a police report, how to spot theft and what legal actions they can take. These education efforts along with the visibility of retailers’ partnerships with us are helping deter potential offenders.”

 

Woodland Mall’s holiday season begins with Santa, pups and lots of fun

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall

Woodland Mall in Kentwood.

By Woodland Mall

 

As the holiday season nears, Woodland Mall is preparing for Santa’s arrival, setting up decorations and hosting a series of events to help shoppers spread holiday cheer this winter.

 

SantaFest, storytime at Barnes & Noble, a menorah display and family pet photos are just some of what is in store for the holidays at Woodland Mall, as well as an exclusive PREIT Perks Member Weekend and, of course, special shopping deals on Black Friday.

 

“It’s exciting seeing Woodland Mall transform for the holiday season,” said Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director. “As our decorations are put up and all the festivities come to fruition, it’s easy to feel the holiday spirit.”

 

Guests will have the opportunity explore Woodland Mall’s Arctic Forest again this year, home to the man in red himself. The forest will be surrounded by decorated trees stretching up to 22 feet, snow-covered islands and icicle archways, as well as Ursa, an enormous 12-foot polar bear.

 

Santa photos for you and your pet

 

Seated in the heart of the Arctic Forest will be Santa, ready to take photos with shoppers of all ages from Nov. 10 through Dec. 24 during regular mall hours. Families are welcome bring their “fur babies” with them for photos with Santa on Mondays from Nov. 12 through Dec. 17.

 

Pet photos with Santa will be offered every Monday until Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. All pets are welcome, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Families with pets should use the east and west entrances closest to Macy’s.

 

“Seven out of every 10 American households have pets who are integral members of the family,” said McCabe. “We recognize their importance and are setting aside a special time to encourage families to bring their dog, cat or other animal to be part of a photo with Santa.

 

“This is just another way we are helping the community create fun holiday memories at Woodland Mall.”

 

With every pet photo purchase, families will receive a pet handkerchief for their furry friends while supplies last.

 

Santa will be on-site during regular mall hours for family photos without pets through Christmas Eve.

 

SantaFest, Jewish holiday, and much more

 

SantaFest, a celebration of everything wonderful about the holiday season, will kick off at the mall at 10 a.m. on Nov. 17. The event will feature live music, games, crafts and holiday gift giveaways through 1 p.m. While the event is free to attend, pre-registration beginning Nov. 8 at shopwoodlandmall.com is recommended.

 

Woodland Mall is once again partnering with Chabad House of Western Michigan to display a 6-foot tall menorah for Hanukkah from Dec. 2 until Dec. 10. A Hanukkah story will be read during Barnes & Noble’s storytime event at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6.

 

“It means a lot to have our Jewish faith represented in the mall,” said Rivka Weingarten, program director of Chabad House of Western Michigan. “It’s always very touching for us to have a menorah displayed publicly, and to be able to take pride in our Jewish community here.”

 

Woodland Mall is also partnering with Artists Creating Together, an organization that brings the arts and art projects to children, youth and adults with disabilities, to present a holiday concert at the mall from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 3.

 

“Our concert at Woodland Mall is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our students’ skills and the joy they get out of participating in our programming,” said Krista Prischner, ACT program coordinator. “It is really exciting for our students to perform in a public space, and especially at the mall during the busy holiday season.”

 

Musicians from the organization’s drum and choir groups will perform a few holiday songs, some of which will include an opportunity for audience participation. The performance is free and open to the public to enjoy.

 

“This is truly a magical time of year for all the retailers at the mall,” said McCabe. “We’re delighted to be working with organizations such as ACT and the Chabad House to offer a variety of holiday activities for all our shoppers to enjoy.”

 

The mall will be open on Thanksgiving evening from 6 p.m. to midnight and on Black Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Woodland Mall will have special holiday hours to ensure that guests are able to get all their shopping completed before the holiday. The Woodland Mall website has a full list of updated hours.

 

Several seasonal stores offering gift items for the holidays are open now at Woodland Mall. For custom ornaments, shoppers can visit Christmas Treasures in the Von Maur Wing. For toys and handmade goods from Michigan-owned businesses, there’s Roeda Studio and The Glove in the Macy’s Wing, and Toysaro in Center Court.

 

Woodland Mall’s ongoing redevelopment includes viewing wall, relocations

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Recreation, Woodland Mall

The mall has installed a 24-foot by 36-foot graphic wall depicting what the extended wing, which will house destination retailer Von Maur, will look like when it is completed. (Supplied)

By Woodland Mall

 

The redevelopment of Woodland Mall is in full swing, and shoppers will soon be able to get a front-row seat to the construction at a new viewing wall.

 

Woodland Mall has begun the installation of viewing windows where shoppers can follow along behind-the-scenes as the remainder of the former Sears store is torn down and the extended wing starts construction. The viewing windows will give shoppers a close-up of construction from inside the mall.

 

The mall has also installed a 24-foot by 36-foot graphic wall depicting what the extended wing, which will house destination retailer Von Maur, will look like when it is completed. Additionally, shoppers will see relocations and expansions of existing retailers in 2018, as well as new store announcements.

 

“Shoppers will see a lot of relocations, additions and expansions in the coming months as we enhance our premium shopping experience,” said Lyndsey Hicks, marketing director. “The expansion of longtime retailers is only the beginning of many exciting changes leading into 2019 when Von Maur and other yet-to-be announced retailers will open their doors.”

 

Throughout 2018, shoppers can expect to see more changes, including new store announcements, as Woodland Mall continues its redevelopment.

 

Victoria’s Secret will move and expand into an 11,506-square-foot space that is closer to center court. The new store is scheduled to open in September of this year. Victoria’s Secret will temporarily relocate to the Macy’s wing while the new store is built out. The retailer carries fashion-inspired lingerie collections, comfortable sleepwear, athletic wear, beauty products and cosmetics.

 

Shoe Dept. will also move, rebrand and expand into a larger store by late summer. The new Shoe Dept. Encore will nearly double in size, expanding from 6,500-square-feet to an 11,000-square-foot space, also in the Macy’s wing. The retailer carries popular-price brands of shoes for women, men and children, including Adidas, Converse, Reaction by Kenneth Cole, Nike, Timberland and more. Shoe Dept. Encore also carries handbags, accessories and shoe care products.

 

Zason Latino Mexican Grill recently opened in the Cafés in the Woods between Sbarro and Suki Hana. The Mexican grill is a local venture offering burritos, tacos, nachos, bowls and salads at all spice levels, along with a special children’s menu.

 

LUSH, Apple and J.Jill have already completed their expansions and relocations. Vans and Torrid opened in Woodland Mall within the past year.

 

Woodland Mall parent company sees opportunity with Sears closing

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Woodland Mall, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

On the heels of the announcement that Sears at Woodland Mall is closing, Joseph F. Coradino, CEO of Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) which owns the mall, announced on PREIT’s website “the company has executed a lease with a fashion department store to replace Sears at Woodland Mall, providing a remarkable opportunity to enhance this premier property,”

 

The statement goes on to say that the company is also finalizing lease documents with two other non-Michigan PREIT properties, Capital City and Magnolia Malls, that also are losing Sears stores.

 

“The transactions are part of PREIT’s plan to continue upgrading its property following our aggressive portfolio disposition and repositioning program which has created a quality platform that is more compelling to retailers,” Coradino said in the statement.

 

The company release stated PREIT has reduced the number of Sears and Kmart stores in its portfolio from 27 to 11. A mall in Scranton, Penn., has a DICK’S Sporting Goods, Field & Stream and HomeGoods replacing a former Sears store and in Chester County, Penn., a Whole Foods is under construction to replace a former KMart.

 

Sears Holding announced today, Jan. 4, the impending closure of 26 Sears stores and 78 KMarts. The only Sears store in Michigan scheduled to close is the one at Woodland Mall. Most recently, the KMart store at Clyde Park and 68th Street along with one on Plainfield Avenue closed at the end of 2016.

 

The reason for the closures, according to company officials, is financial performance at those locations.

 

Sears has been a fixture at Woodland Mall since 1968, when the mall opened. Sears, originally Sears Roebuck & Co., was started in 1886 as a mail ordering company and opened retail stores in 1925. It was headquartered at the Sears Tower (now the Willis Tower), the tallest building in Chicago. It is now based in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

 

KMart, the first opened in 1962 by Detroit-based S.S. Kresge Company, was once a staple in the Michigan retail scene. In 2004, KMart purchased Sears with the corporate name changing to Sears Holdings Corporation. The recent announcement of closures will reduce the number of KMart stores to 28 statewide.