New stores headed for Valley shopping malls

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The summer months are typically slow for retailers, but you wouldn't know it from the number of new stores coming into Valley shopping centers.

While shoppers are away businesses are taking the opportunity to build and expand.

At the new Kaur Boutique in North Fresno, fashionistas like owner Navi Sanghera can find unique clothing options.

"I only do 4 or 5 pieces of each thing, one color, we don't get it again, so we have more of a one on one experience," Sanghera said.

The young entrepreneur from Bakersfield just opened her second location at the shops at River Park.

Despite the many apparel shops already there, including a new five-thousand square foot Dress Barn being built between Best Buy and Sports Authority, property managers say there's room for more.

"Makes it really easy for you to shop as a busy mom or a busy person working. If you go to one spot and can hit more than one clothing store, I think it just makes it a fun shopping experience," River Park spokesperson Tracy Kashian said.

Kashian says most of their vacancies, including the former Borders bookstore, are in negotiations with interested tenants.

Over 9 thousand square feet is under construction at fashion fair in Northeast Fresno.

The mall says the summer retail slowdown is the perfect time for retailers to expand.

"So we have a lot going on, we take advantage of that time period. To do new store openings and exterior renovations to keep Fashion Fair fresh for the consumer and fresh for the Fresno market," Kelly Tallant-Martin of Fashion Fair said.

Angl is one of them - a Los Angeles-based women's retailer specializing in "fast fashion from work to play". Fresno is just one of four California locations the company is opening in July alone.

The Limited also has plans to open a store in September at the outdoor plaza area of Fashion Fair. It will be one of five new California locations the company is launching as part of its revitalized image.

"We're very excited about the new concept they're coming back to the market with - it's going to be fresh-clean-limited, they're focusing on work apparel, extended fitting rooms, lounge areas," Tallant-Martin said.

With the new stores come new jobs. Limited says it will hire 20 to 30 full-time and part-time associates.

Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis says it also has several new businesses opening this summer, including a nail spa, cafe and yogurt shop.

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fresno, fresno county, clovis, consumer, christine park

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