Tampa Retail Landscape
Tampa’s shopping scene is set for significant changes as the Washington Prime Group puts its portfolio, including key properties like WestShore Plaza, on the market. With financial difficulties and layoffs impacting the company, 10 malls across Florida are under review for sale. The WestShore Plaza, despite its vast shopping options, faces competition from nearby malls and is planning a mixed-use redevelopment to revitalize the area. The future of Tampa’s retail space remains uncertain as the community watches these developments closely.
Tampa is facing a significant shake-up in its retail landscape as the Washington Prime Group (WPG) has decided to put its entire portfolio on the market. This includes notable properties like the renowned WestShore Plaza and the Edison Mall in Fort Myers.
WPG is looking to sell a total of 10 malls and shopping centers across Florida. With about half of its properties already sold over the past year, the company is now preparing to list the remaining properties. The aim behind this move is described as a part of a multi-year journey of transformation, though the specifics of the plan remain unclear.
The company isn’t just restructuring its portfolio. WPG is also contending with some serious financial challenges. A recent report highlighted a staggering $1.1 billion in commercial mortgage-backed securities debt that is due between May and November. Following a bankruptcy filing in 2021, the company has managed to sell around $1 billion worth of properties in recent years, signaling a climate of urgency within the organization.
On the employment front, the situation isn’t any better. WPG filed a Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification (WARN) notice indicating that 139 employees at its headquarters in Ohio would be laid off. The company stated that these layoffs reflect a downsized organization, a clear indication that they are tightening their belts as they navigate through rough waters.
WestShore Plaza is a significant focus for many, not just because of its size—a whopping 1.09 million square feet—but because of the variety of shopping and dining options it offers. Shoppers can enjoy entertainment at AMC Theaters, grab a bite at P.F. Chang’s, and shop for clothing at Old Navy, although it’s important to note that the Macy’s store recently closed its doors there.
Despite its popularity, WestShore Plaza is facing new competition from the nearby International Plaza, which opened in 2001 and welcomes upscale retailers. This heightened competition has raised questions about the mall’s foot traffic, leading to vacant storefronts that are hard to miss.
As part of future aspirations, WestShore Plaza has received approval for a mixed-use redevelopment project from Tampa’s City Council. This ambitious plan includes a mix of retail options, dining establishments, office spaces, a medical center, a hotel, and around 1,700 multifamily residential units. Although the potential for revitalization is exciting, details about construction timelines remain vague, leaving many in the community anxious for updates.
The timeline for these developments will greatly depend on several factors, including traffic patterns and necessary infrastructure adjustments that need to be addressed before any major construction can begin.
With many lower-end retailers currently in the WestShore Plaza, there is an observable decline in customer traffic, which only worsens the challenges for remaining businesses. Plans for redevelopment aim to attract customers back, but it remains to be seen whether the mall can enhance its appeal and compete effectively in the evolving retail landscape.
As WPG navigates this complex terrain of selling properties and reshaping their portfolio, the community is left to ponder what the future holds for beloved shopping spots like WestShore Plaza. Employees, shoppers, and local residents alike will be keeping a close eye on how these developments unfold in the coming months.
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