Mall Adding Toys, Sports, Fashion Outlets

By SHANNON ROSENBERG

Windward Mall is welcoming three more new businesses this year – Toys “R” Us, Charlotte Russe and Sports Authority – and each will be the first of its kind on the Windward side.

Toys “R” Us has operated as an express store in the mall since 2010, but because of its popularity, it became a full-fledged, 4,000-square-foot store May 28, offering a larger variety of items and products that are only available in its full-sized outlets.

Charlotte Russe is scheduled to open the last week of October, and will be taking over the 5,000-square-foot area on the second floor that was Island Expressions and 808 Bounce. The store offers trendy apparel, shoes and accessories at affordable prices for teens and women in their 20s.

“We’re excited to give young fashionistas more options at Windward Mall,” said mall marketing manager Alex Kirley. “Charlotte Russe fits in well with our current retail mix.”

The long-awaited Sports Authority also is expected to open at the end of October in the 26,657-square-foot Borders space, and it will begin hiring 35 employees this summer, including team leaders, floor staff and cashiers. The store will accept applications “in late July or early August.” All openings will be listed on the Sports Authority corporate website as well as the mall website.

“Windward residents are extremely active and athletic,” Kirley said, “and now they will have an even wider selection of athletic apparel and sports equipment close to home.” The new additions should be a big selling point for area families who will no longer have to drive into town for this merchandise.