Westfarms Mall is reopening a restaurant next month, and adding a new retail store early next year, as three seasonal stores open there ahead of the holiday season.
BRIO Tuscan Grille, a tenant at the Farmington mall that shuttered operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will reopen beginning Dec. 7, according to Westfarms. Eyewear store Warby Parker will open at the mall in early 2021.
Westfarms opened its doors in May, after temporarily closing in March due to COVID-19. Five retailers there have shut down since the pandemic (David’s Tea, Spanx, the Microsoft Store and Bare Essentials), but spokesperson Amanda Sirica pointed out that, except for Bare Essentials, all retailer exits have been part of nationwide closures for those companies.
“Despite the pandemic, the fourth quarter at Westfarms has been consistent with previous years of bringing in new and seasonal retailers before the end of the year,” Sirica said. “Since we reopened we have seen steady traffic and strong sales at our retailers – consumers are shopping.”
The seasonal shops opening in coming weeks include See’s Candles, Christmas Treasures and Yamaha Pianos.
Ahead of a holiday season in which it’s unclear how the pandemic will affect people’s shopping behavior, Sirica said Westfarms is bullish about the month ahead.
“Historically, Westfarms welcomes seasonal retailers to round out its offerings for shoppers for the holidays,” Sirica said. “Based on sales, traffic and leasing we are very optimistic this is going to be a good holiday shopping season at Westfarms.”
Â