The Historical Overview
In the heart of Silicon Valley, where innovation meets tradition, lies a retail giant that has stood the test of time: Westfield Valley Fair Mall. This shopping mecca didn’t start as the sprawling complex it is today.
It was born from the union of two separate shopping centers—Valley Fair Shopping Center in San Jose and Stevens Creek Plaza in Santa Clara. The Hahn Company acquired and merged both centers in 1986, creating a two-level enclosed mall called “Valley Fair.”
The mall has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. 1998, Westfield America and The Rouse Company acquired Valley Fair, and a $165 million two-phase expansion project was initiated in 2001.
These expansions added more retail space, attracting a wider range of tenants and increasing the mall’s appeal to shoppers.
Interestingly, the mall contributes sales tax revenues to San Jose and Santa Clara due to its unique location, which straddles the two cities. This dual citizenship, so to speak, has made it a key player in the local economy, benefiting both municipalities.
The Tenant Mix
Anchors: The Pillars of the Westfield Valley Fair Mall
Westfield Valley Fair is anchored by some of the most iconic names in retail, providing a strong foundation for the mall’s success.
Macy’s operates two stores within the mall, one focusing on Men’s and Home goods and the other on Women’s and Children’s needs.
Nordstrom is another heavyweight, offering a range of high-quality clothing, accessories, and beauty products. Bloomingdale’s adds a touch of luxury, rounding out the mall’s anchor stores.
These anchors serve as the pillars that draw shoppers and set the tone for the rest of the mall.
Famous Stores: Where Luxury Meets Everyday Needs
Westfield Valley Fair is a shopping paradise that seamlessly blends luxury and everyday convenience, offering something for everyone. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the mall is a treasure trove of high-end brands.
Versace, known for its opulent Italian craftsmanship, offers a range of clothing and accessories that exude glamour.
Gucci, another Italian luxury brand, is a go-to for those who want to make a fashion statement. With iconic monogrammed handbags, Louis Vuitton is a must-visit for luxury lovers.
But it’s not just about high fashion. The mall is also home to tech giants like the Apple Store, where one can find the latest gadgets and accessories.
For beauty enthusiasts, the mall offers a plethora of options. Sephora is a one-stop shop for beauty, from makeup to skincare. MAC Cosmetics, another beauty giant, provides a wide range of high-quality makeup products.
For those looking for everyday wear, the mall doesn’t disappoint. Old Navy is a reliable choice for casual, regular clothing for the whole family.
Gap offers a similar range but with a slightly more upscale feel. UNIQLO, a Japanese brand, is known for its high-quality basics that are both affordable and stylish.
Footwear is another category where the mall shines. From the elegant designs of Jimmy Choo to the rugged durability of Dr. Martens, there’s a shoe store for every need and preference.
Sneakerheads will appreciate Foot Locker’s extensive collection, while those looking for something more formal can head to Cole Haan.
Jewelry and accessories are well-represented, too. Tiffany & Co. offers timeless pieces perfect for special occasions, while Swarovski provides a more affordable yet equally dazzling alternative. For watches, stores like TAG Heuer and Rolex offer a range of options, from sporty to luxurious.
The mall also caters to specialized interests. For instance, LEGO offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its building sets, while LUSH Handmade Cosmetics provides natural, cruelty-free beauty products.
Book lovers can find solace in various specialty stores that offer a curated selection of literature and stationery.
Famous Dining: A Culinary Journey
Regarding dining, Westfield Valley Fair is a gastronomic wonderland that offers a culinary journey spanning multiple continents.
The mall is a food lover’s paradise, boasting various dining options catering to multiple palates and preferences.
The mall is a haven for fans of Asian cuisine. Baekjeong Korean BBQ offers an authentic Korean grilling experience right at your table.
If you prefer dim sum and xiao long bao, Din Tai Fung is the place to be. Japanese food lovers can indulge in sushi at Bamboo Sushi or a steaming bowl of ramen at Ramen Nagi.
For those who prefer Chinese flavors, iCHiNA and JiuBa by iCHiNA offer a range of traditional dishes.
Italian cuisine is also well-represented, with La Pizza & La Pasta and Eataly serving various pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas.
For those who prefer a more American dining experience, options like California Pizza Kitchen and The Cheesecake Factory offer a wide range of choices, from salads and pizzas to an extensive list of cheesecakes.
But the culinary journey doesn’t end there. The mall also offers a range of fast-food and casual dining options.
Chipotle serves Mexican-inspired burritos and tacos, while Popeyes offers Southern-style fried chicken.
For a quick snack, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Cinnabon are perfect. They satisfy a craving for something sweet and salty.
For those with a sweet tooth, the mall has plenty to offer. Coldstone Creamery provides a range of customizable ice cream flavors, while Laderach Chocolatier Suisse offers Swiss chocolates that are a treat for the senses.
If you’re in the mood for something more refreshing, Jamba Juice and Coco Fresh Tea & Juice offer a range of smoothies and teas.
Coffee lovers are not left out, either. Starbucks provides its usual range of coffees and pastries, while Nordstrom E-Bar offers a more upscale coffee experience. For something different, Matcha Cafe Maiko serves various matcha-based drinks and desserts.
In summary, Westfield Valley Fair offers a culinary experience as diverse as its retail offerings. From high-end dining to casual eateries, the mall provides a range of options that will satisfy any craving.
This culinary diversity makes the mall not just a shopping destination but also a place to embark on a gastronomic adventure.
The $1.1 Billion Expansion: A Game-Changer for Westfield Valley Fair
A Milestone in Retail Transformation
To redefine the shopping experience, Westfield Valley Fair embarked on a $1.1 billion expansion, completed two years ago.
The expansion has been a significant milestone in the mall’s ongoing transformation, adding over 100 new retailers to the existing tenant mix.
The General Manager at Westfield Valley Fair highlighted that this achievement underscores the mall’s commitment to brick-and-mortar retail, especially in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly, sales at the center have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong demand for in-person shopping.
A Diverse and Luxurious Offering
The expansion has significantly elevated the mall’s status as one of the most productive shopping destinations in the United States.
Covering 2.2 million square feet of total retail space, the mall now offers a diverse range of chef-driven restaurants, first-to-market food concepts, unique outdoor spaces, and health and wellness amenities.
One significant highlight is completing the mall’s Luxury Collection, featuring over 42 retailers. This includes new additions like Breitling, Panerai, IWC Schaffhausen, Christian Dior, and Christian Louboutin and expanded footprints for existing brands like Tiffany & Co., Versace, Montblanc, and Cartier.
Innovative Concepts and Dining Choices
The expansion has also introduced innovative store concepts that are first-of-their-kind in the U.S., such as the North American resort concept Bvlgari boutique and Cole Haan’s first US GRANDSHØP.
On the dining front, the mall has welcomed 20 new restaurants, offering an impressive range of cuisines.
This includes the first formal full-service Bamboo Sushi restaurant in Northern California and the South Bay’s first Salt & Straw and Shake Shack.
The mall has also debuted its Asian Food Collection, featuring a variety of cuisines and anchored by iCHiNA, a brand-new concept offering a luxury, two-story dining experience with virtual reality offerings.
The mall also welcomed a few highly-anticipated openings in 2022, including Northern California’s first-ever Eataly, Baekjeong Korean BBQ, and Mastro’s Steakhouse.
These additions are expected to solidify Westfield Valley Fair’s position as a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in San Jose, California.
The Pandemic’s Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic was a watershed moment for retail spaces worldwide, and Westfield Valley Fair was no exception.
The mall closed temporarily, affecting all tenants, including luxury retailer Bloomingdale’s, which had only been open after expansion a few weeks before the closure.
Upon reopening, the mall implemented a series of safety protocols. Employees were required to complete wellness checks at the start of each shift, and social distancing measures were implemented in common areas.
Hand sanitizing stations were also added throughout the property to ensure the safety of both employees and visitors.
To adapt to the new normal, the mall’s owner, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, introduced a capacity management tool and a new app feature called ‘Line Pass.’
These technological solutions were designed to make the shopping experience safer and more convenient during the pandemic.
Financial Health
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the rise of online shopping, Westfield Valley Fair has shown remarkable resilience.
The mall has reached record sales and visits, indicating a solid financial standing. This is a testament to its ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing consumer behaviors and market conditions.
However, the mall faced a unique challenge when San Jose raised its minimum wage. This affected workers’ wages in stores on the city line between San Jose and Santa Clara, creating a complex situation for employers and employees.
Looking ahead, the mall has ambitious plans for ongoing expansions and renovations. These projects aim to enhance its appeal further and ensure its long-term success.
The Community and Cultural Impact
Westfield Valley Fair is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a community hub that has touched the lives of residents in many ways.
The mall’s reopening after the pandemic-induced closure symbolized hope and resilience, signaling a return to normalcy.
The mall has also adapted to changing consumer behaviors, particularly the decline of in-person shopping.
Despite this, it offers a “touch and feel” shopping experience that online platforms can’t replicate. This has helped it maintain a loyal customer base that values the sensory experience of shopping.
Moreover, the mall’s tenant mix includes local and national chains, making it a diverse shopping destination.
This diversity enhances its appeal and contributes to its role as a cultural melting pot, reflecting the rich tapestry of the community it serves.
Conclusion
Westfield Valley Fair is far from a “dead mall.” While it has faced its share of challenges, its adaptability, diverse tenant mix, and ongoing expansions suggest a promising future.
As retail trends continue to evolve, Westfield Valley Fair is a testament to physical retail spaces’ resilience and enduring appeal.