(Photo courtesy of Oakville Place)

In a world where fashion and home merge together comes one of the most anticipated makeovers to grace the town of Oakville. RioCan Oakville Place is in the process of undergoing a $30-million facelift as it gets set to introduce some of the biggest names in the game including upscale grocery store Pusateri’s and every beauty lovers heaven, Sephora.

Being born and raised in Burlington and as a current resident of Oakville I would be lying if I told you I didn’t do a little happy dance when I found out about the renovation. I remember my parents taking me to Oakville Place when I was a little girl, back when the food court was on the lower level and the 12’ tall monumental clock had me gazing in awe. Over twenty years later my quiet little Oakville haven is now being transformed into a powerhouse shopping center ready to take on the world (ok, we’ll start with Oakville, but watch out!)

I had the chance to sit down with Lindsay Holstein, Marketing Manager behind the center to get the details on the current renovation. Wondering what’s in the works? Curious about the new look? Check out all the details right here in my exclusive one-on-one interview.

Standing in front of the soon-to-be Sephora with RioCan Oakville Place Marketing Manager, Lindsay Holstein.

What demographic are you looking to cater to with the new makeover?

We are going to focus on Oakville. For a long time a lot of shopping centers would retail to markets outside of the community and we really want to bring the Oakville community back to us and start there. In terms of the demographic there are some young families north of Dundas we want to reach. We want to be a family-friendly focused shopping center.

How do you choose which stores you are going to add and remove? What is the process involved in this?

It takes a lot of research to really decide what our customers want. We conduct quite a few surveys and hand off the results to our leasing team. They take this information and grow our selection from there.

With the renovation there was a re-merchandising plan in place for the center, so there has been lots of changes, closures and switching around. When customers request certain retailers be brought in it can be difficult because we only have so much square footage to work with. Our leasing department is working really hard to secure our new deals. A lot of stores are going to be moving around so we ask our customers to be patient with us because we’re going through the motions and trying to bring them a great shopping experience.

What is your most anticipated store?

Sephora! It’s opening up in July. Sephora has been the number one retailer that people have been asking for so we’re really excited to launch that.

What other stores are you looking to add to your mix?

We are hoping to add more of a lifestyle mix. Fashion is important to us and we will certainly focus on that but we want to have a shopping experience where the family can come and check everything off their list. We are starting to add some housewares and interior design stores. Yankee Candle and Pandora recently opened. It’s all about the home and family.

Are there any changes coming to the food court? We all love O&B but are you looking to add any more sit-down dining options?

We’re still thinking about that and working on it. The food court is in the process of being evaluated in terms of what we are going to do with it and it will be the last to get its makeover, if it does.

We love O&B and right now that is our only restaurant option for sit-down. The major changes will be done by 2017 but there will be room for more improvements down the line.

When are you anticipating everything will be complete?

We are hoping for the end of this year. By Christmas the majority of changes will be made but the renovations won’t be 100% complete until spring 2017.

Is Oakville Place going to offer a valet service?

Pusateri’s is looking to offer a valet service. It may not be in time for this year but they are working on it.

Is there a certain vibe you are going for?

We are going for a really clean, modern, sophisticated feel. Up until now the center has had more of a traditional vibe in terms of the design, which is lovely for what it was but now it’s time to kick it up a notch.

What changes are you making architecturally?

The skylights of the center will be opened up which is great because the skylights really speak for the center. The chandeliers blocked a lot of the store fronts and it was difficult to see what was ahead so we really opening all that up.

We are going with clean finishes with a little bit of wood and natural elements added. We’re replacing all the floors, adding glass balconies and a new ceiling design. We’re also redoing the washrooms on the lower level and getting a fresh coat of paint and new moulding throughout the center.

The frontage on the side facing the QEW (Pusatersi’s area) is being re-done and we are building that side out for Pusateri’s.

Can you tell me a bit about what’s in store for Pusateri’s?

Pusetari’s was the first retail piece of the puzzle. Shopper’s Drug Mart (located on the lower level beside Pusateri’s) is moving closer to center court to make room for Pusateri’s, so they will have the whole section on the lower level. They’re going to have a nice café and seating area for customers to enjoy.

Are your major anchor stores (Hudson’s Bay and Sears) staying?

I don’t see there being any changes with those stores.

Will you have charging stations for electric cars?

We haven’t had much of a demand for charging stations but we’re always open to feedback and suggestions.

How do you feel about the changes to Oakville Place?

In this industry change should be embraced and I feel like the property is finally getting the love it deserves. That means bringing in good retailers and creating an awesome shopping experience for customers so they don’t have to drive to Toronto or Burlington.

 

 

 

A huge thank you to Lindsay Holstein and the RioCan Oakville Place team! Stay tuned for updates on new stores and grand openings!

For more information on the renovation and for mall hours check out OakvillePlace.com.

 

xo, Kiki