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WALT WHITMAN SHOPS TO CELEBRATE COMPLETED REJUVENATION

Following a major renovation, rejuvenation and expansion that has transformed Walt Whitman Shops into a fashion forward shopping and dining destination, Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG), a global leader in retail real estate, announced today it will officially mark the completion of the 18-month project with a grand re-opening celebration from November 21 to 24.

 

The grand re-opening will start with a ribbon cutting ceremony the morning of Thursday, November 21 that features the unveiling of a newly commissioned bronze statue of the famous poet and humanist Walt Whitman. The four day celebration will continue with live entertainment, prize-an-hour giveaways, food and beverage sampling and fantastic shopping among dozens of new stores, many exclusive to Long Island, from Thursday through the evening of Sunday, November 24. 

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“After an intensive planning and construction process over the past 18 months, we are thrilled to officially recognize and celebrate the grand re-opening of Walt Whitman Shops with the community,” said Deborah Weber, Walt Whitman Shops general manager. “We’ve planned a special four day celebration as a thank you to our loyal customers for their patience and continued interest throughout this monumental project. We’re excited to offer an enhanced retail environment that offers fabulous shopping, including many of the hottest brands in the marketplace, and an incredible choice of dining destinations to enjoy any day of the week.”

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As a result of the 70,000 square foot expansion, along with changes in the merchandise mix, more than 30 new retailers have opened their doors at Walt Whitman Shops since the redevelopment began in 2012 and during 2013.  Among the stores making their debut at the shopping center are: Anthropologie, bebe, BOSS Hugo Boss, Carhartt, C. Wonder, Free People, Henri Bendel, kate spade New York, Lucky Brand Jeans, lululemon athletica, Microsoft, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, Soma Intimates, Sophie Reese, Triumph, Urban Outfitters and others.  On the dining front, Brio Tuscan Grille, CUPS Frozen Yogurt and Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar offer new options for dining experiences to now enjoy at the Walt Whitman Shops, with P. F. Chang’s China Bistro expected to open by early December.  In addition, a handful of existing retailers have undergone major renovations in their stores, including Bloomingdale’s, which completed a significant interior makeover in September.

 

Shoppers will also notice a variety of new amenities inside Walt Whitman Shops, including comfortable soft seating areas, a complete renovation of customer restrooms along with the addition of a family restroom, and a reconfigured Center Court area.  Accent lighting, a fresh new color scheme for walls and flooring and new skylights help create a more pleasing ambiance.

 

 

Outside, a pedestrian-friendly streetscape with an inviting façade, extensive new landscaping, upgraded site lighting, reconfiguration of parking with 150 prime additional spots and reorientation of driveways as well as the addition of traffic signals are among the improvements made to benefit our visitors’ safety, convenience and the overall visibility of Walt Whitman Shops’ exterior. 

 

“For our grand re-opening, we’ve put together a wide range of activities for shoppers to enjoy as they explore and become familiar with the additions and changes we’ve made inside and outside the center,” said Nancy Gilbert, Walt Whitman Shops director of marketing and business development.  “We think visitors will be pleased with everything we now have to offer and look forward to showcasing the wonderful additions made to the center.”  

 

The ribbon cutting ceremony and Walt Whitman statue unveiling will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 21, with all other grand re-opening celebratory activities staring at 12 p.m. each day of the weekend.  Regular shopping hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Department store and restaurant hours may vary.

 

For more information, please call the Walt Whitman Shops Shopping line at 631-271-1741; visit www.waltwhitmancenter.com or check out Walt Whitman Shops on social media via Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaltWhitmanShops or Twitter: @WaltWhitmanShop.





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