Patio/outdoor furniture and accessories retailer Fortunoff Backyard Store is continuing its regional expansion with a new location at Somerset Shopping Center in Bridgewater. Commercial real estate services firm Levin Management Corp. said Wednesday that it secured the 9,400-square-foot commitment as exclusive leasing and managing agent.
Fortunoff Backyard Store will take over the space formerly occupied by Pier 1 Imports at Somerset Shopping Center, a high-profile, 219,000-square-foot retail property located at the junction of Route 202/206 and Route 28. LMC Senior Leasing Representative Vanessa Fernandez-Kelty arranged the transaction on behalf of the landlord; Jake Frantzman of RIPCO Real Estate represented the tenant.
“Fortunoff Backyard Store will open at Somerset Shopping Center just in advance of the spring buying season, and we are pleased to have been able to meet their timing needs,” Fernandez-Kelty said. “The condition of the space enabled a turnkey delivery; Fortunoff has plans for a full renovation of the space later in the year.”
The Fortunoff brand returned to the New York/New Jersey market with the opening of seven Fortunoff Backyard Store locations in February 2010. There are now more than two dozen locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
“Fortunoff Backyard Store is a well-recognized and very strong brand, and a perfect match for Somerset Shopping Center,” Fernandez-Kelty said. “As homeowners prepare to spend more time relaxing and entertaining outdoors, the addition of Fortunoff Backyard Store is an exciting add for area residents.”
Somerset Shopping Center features a mix of retailers, restaurants and service providers, including Christmas Tree Shops, Barnes & Noble, Gap, Pearl Vision, Norman’s Hallmark, Pupcakes and Pawstries Barkery and Shoppe, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Rite Aid, TGI Fridays and Men’s Wearhouse, among others. A new Optimum retail store is coming soon.
