Sears to move from Tampa Bay Center to WestShore

It's a big blow to beleaguered Tampa Bay Center, which has lost its three anchor stores in the past three years.

By MARK ALBRIGHT

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 23, 2001

TAMPA -- Sears, Roebuck and Co. said it will relocate its store from beleaguered Tampa Bay Center to nearby WestShore Plaza.

"We see WestShore as a strong mall with a good tenant mix and anchor stores that has highly visible access from Interstate 275," Sears spokeswoman Melissa Winchester said.

The move, which could be a fatal blow for Tampa Bay Center, completes a sort of mall musical chairs. Big department store chains started moving to newer malls, such as International Plaza and Citrus Park Town Center.

For instance, Dillard's left WestShore to join Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom at International Plaza, an upscale mall that opened Sept. 14. Sears will close the Tampa Bay Center store and move into Dillard's old space at WestShore by next October.

Tampa Bay Center lost its three anchors in the past three years. One problem: Tampa Bay Center was never remodeled. At one point, some speculated that it would become a parking lot for nearby Raymond James Stadium. The Rouse Co., the Maryland company that owns Tampa Bay Center, has been tight-lipped about plans.

"There's really nothing I can comment on at this point," said Bill Baker, who manages Tampa Bay Center and a newer Rouse mall near Orlando.

Adding Sears to a mall that has a Saks Fifth Avenue may seem odd. But such combinations are common in other markets. Grosvenor International Ltd., WestShore's British owners, has tried to balance the collection of upscale tenants with moderate price choices.

The new Sears means WestShore is fully-leased for the holiday shopping season. Other newcomers include: Wet Seal, a juniors' apparel chain; Aerosole shoe store; and El Portal, a high-end leather goods store.

-- Mark Albright can be reached at albright@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8252.

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