We contacted The Bravern yesterday in regards to the news that Anthropologie has plans to move to Bellevue Square in November. Today Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp., owners of The Bravern issued the following statement:
Anthropologie’s move from The Shops at The Bravern to Bellevue Square is a mutually understandable relocation. We want to assure the community that The Bravern is in continued discussions with several new and exciting retail tenants. We look forward to sharing specifics on new store openings as soon as leases are finalized, as we continue to focus on an enhanced customer experience for our guests.
We understand that some may be wondering about The Bravern’s future, but the please know the management team is diligently working to fulfill a vision for the destination and that takes time. In the mean time, more than 24 retail tenants including restaurants, a spa, and gym make The Bravern a unique, diverse shopping center to explore.
Since the Ashkenazy acquisition The Shops at The Bravern communication has dropped off significantly (marketing emails, social media, website updates, etc.). Hopefully this is a sign of the future dedication to the property. Any new tenants announced going forward may shed light on how Ashkenazy plans to reposition The Bravern within the Downtown Bellevue marketplace.
There seems to be a number of vacancies in that part of the Bravern right now … Maybe they’re trying to consolidate the spaces down for a larger tenant?
Cover the entire 10th St. courtyard with a glass ceiling, create consistent awning structures througout the entire mall (currently not in place on the north facing retail locations) and you may have a chance. Forget the ‘open-air’ concept. It works in Phoenix, L.A., but not in Bellevue. Good luck!!
The sooner they realize the Bravern is a failure, the better. The final nail in the Braverns coffin will be when Bell Square finishes its new luxury project in 2016.
Sam, it’s not the open-air concept that’s a problem — it’s extremely successful at University Village.