Construction is always happening at the Eastwood Mall complex in Niles, with new businesses constantly joining the sprawling retail mecca.
Some people refer to the complex as “a city unto itself,” says Joe Bell, director of corporate communications for mall owner Cafaro Corp. With 3.3 million square feet of space and approximately 200 businesses in the mall and its surrounding plazas, the sheer size of the property has a lot to do with it.
Workers are currently creating a 30,000-square-foot space for a new Ashley furniture store in the Great East Plaza section of the complex. When it opens in early April, it will feature Ashley’s new 7.0 Design, with more realistic home environments for shoppers to peruse.
An existing store in that plaza is preparing to move to the main mall building. This summer, Dick’s Sporting Goods will take up residence in what used to be the Dillard’s department store. It will occupy 72,000 square feet – much more than its current 52,000 square feet – and feature specialized team sections, golf driving bays and a footwear section.
Another familiar retailer, Macy’s, is adding a Macy’s Backstage section within its existing mall store that will offer apparel, home décor, beauty products and more at discounted prices.
Eastwood’s viability is also shown in its connection to community institutions.
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers baseball team, which is part of the complex, is teaming up with 717 Credit Union in a naming agreement. Eastwood Field, where the Scrappers have played since 1999, this year will be renamed 717 Credit Union Field at
Eastwood.
Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio will open an Economic and Workforce Center this year in the upper level of the mall. This $3 million investment will include JA Biztown and JA Finance Park, designed to teach financial literacy to elementary and high school students.
A new project is also underway – something that has never been seen before at the Eastwood complex. It’s too early to reveal what it is, but Bell says details will be revealed soon.
