News
Mall Offers Unique Business Opportunity for Indies
By Gloria Mellinger
Plaza Del Sol has developed an exciting and affordable lease concept designed especially for independent retailers. The management group is revamping a 400,000 square foot shopping center in Kissimmee, FL, formerly Osceola Square Mall, to provide an international plaza ambiance, while still maintaining its bevy of popular anchor stores. Small retailers have the opportunity to lease one or multiple units, which are 10 by 10 feet, for $500 to $750 per month. The management group may expand this unique concept to other venues nationally.
Rent includes electricity, security, common area maintenance, insurance, property taxes, and marketing. Short-term leases are available. Plaza Del Sol plans to roll out phase one of the mall’s newly designed south end this spring, which will include 130 village units. The village, or mercado, will occupy up to 15 percent of the mall. Indie retailers that have already booked village units include merchants selling hand crafted goods, toys, apparel, and jewelry.
Shops, food & fun draw crowds
Throughout Latin America and Europe, many cities have a square or plaza where people gather to shop and socialize. The Latin Village at Plaza Del Sol recreates the essence of this tradition. “As a plaza, we are bringing together large and small businesses, and incorporating entertainment. Something will be happening every weekend,” a mall spokesperson explains. “People will come to shop, eat and have fun.”
“We are in a great location to attract thousands of shoppers, and we expect that our tenants will have constant traffic, so they will do business. We are eight miles from Walt Disney World, and in a corridor where we have more than 78,000 vehicles pass by daily,” the spokesperson reports. “The demographics are great. According to USA.com, the population in Kissimmee has grown 25 percent since 2000. That is more than twice the rate of growth of the U.S. population, and more than 50 percent of the locals speak Spanish.”
Burlington, Ross & more
Also driving traffic to the mall are anchor tenants, including Burlington Coat Factory and Ross Dress for Less, two of the most popular chains in the region, G-Mart Grocers, and Florida Technical College. Other popular tenants include Fallas discount stores, Foot Locker, and Planet Fitness. There is also a food court.
To help retailers take advantage of the huge business potential, mall management, in conjunction with Florida Technical College, the Small Business Administration and the local chamber of commerce, will be offering workshops on topics such as how to open a business and how to connect with wholesalers, distributors, and importers. “We will work side by side with our vendors to assist in their success,” the spokesperson adds.
Plaza del Sol
3831 West Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Tel.: 407-847-6941
Website: plazadelsolkissimmee.com
