Rockaway Townsquare welcomes new stores, PF Chang’s not among them – Daily Record

ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP — The orange cones and drop cloths will soon be gone from Rockaway’s Townsquare mall as 11 months of renovations come to an end.

New stores and restaurants join the renovated dining area, the new flooring and upgraded lighting. 

Last week Simon Property Group announced the opening of Bullet Boots Co., a boutique store that carries western-theme items.

Christmas to Remember, which sells holiday decor, recently opened on the upper level joining the more than 140 stores in the mall, said Stephanie Gorab of public relations firm Lividini & Company. 

Other recent openings have included Party City, Miller’s Ale House and a new 3,000-square-foot Charlotte Russe that sells footwear, bags and accessories in the upper level of the mall next to JCPenney.

Read Morris County election day news:

School boards: Elections 2019: Morris County school boards list of candidates

Municipal: Elections 2019: Morris County municipal candidates

Ballot questions: Does your Morris County town or school have a ballot question? Check here

Sunglass Hut reopened and is now located on the lower level along with Esthetica, a boutique that specializes in skin care and hair products. 

P.F. Chang’s, which was exploring a possible location at the mall, has since scrapped those plans, according to the chain’s spokesperson.

The new “re-imagined dining pavilion” includes upgraded storefronts, new seating and community tables equipped with built-in charging stations.  The changes follow an industry trend of ditching food courts in favor of a coffee shop or bistro feel. Westfield Garden State Plaza renamed its food court The Bistro and replaced its tables and chairs with café-style seating in 2017.

A children’s play area between JCPenney and the Cheesecake Factory opened in February and includes developmental activities such as interactive games and a toddler play area.

“New holiday décor will put the final touch on the 2019 renovation for shoppers to enjoy throughout the entire season,” said the mall’s general manager, Andrew Morgenroth. 

Simon opened both Rockaway Townsquare and The Shops at Riverside in 1977. 

The mall’s customer base stretches from Essex County to Eastern Pennsylvania, according to Simon’s representatives, who estimate 286,013 people work within driving range of the mall. 

Schools increase police presence: Rockaway Township schools increase police presence

Gene Myers is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. 

Email: myers@northjersey.com Twitter: @myersgene  

Read or Share this story: https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/local/2019/10/22/rockaways-townsquare-mall-work-comes-end-new-stores-open/4038422002/