National retailer Five Below has joined the Blue Star Shopping Center lineup in Watchung. This move follows the recent opening of a new flagship tenant, ShopRite supermarket, and the launch of both KidStrong and Planet Fitness locations. The 420,000-square-foot retail center is located at 1702 Route 22.
For decades, Levin Management Corporation (LMC) has served as the retail center’s managing and leasing agent. The company recently oversaw a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Watchung retail hub, positioning Blue Star for future growth. Levin’s Senior Leasing Representative E.J. Moawad represented Blue Star’s ownership while RIPCO Real Estate’s Jeffrey Hoard worked on behalf of Five Below.
“Five Below is one of the most active and successful retailers in its category, and we’re excited to add this location to Blue Star’s tenant mix,” commented Levin’s Moawad. “The company’s expansion into this center reflects the strength of the market and Blue Star’s appeal to top national brands.”
With more than 1,800 stores in 44 states across the country, Five Below continues to expand. The stores offer on-trend, premium merchandise for value-conscious consumers, plus teens and tweens. Their eight signature product categories include Sports, Tech, Create, Candy, Style, Party, Room, plus New & Now. This strategy has proven to attract customers since launching the brand in 2002.
The tenant mix features several high-performing retailers and restaurants including Kohl’s, Marshalls, Five Guys and Dollar Tree. The busy Route 22 retail corridor drives considerable traffic with Blue Star attracting more than 2.8 million visits per year, according to Placer.ai. Currently there are spaces available ranging from 1,650 to 50,000 square feet.
