Columbia Park Center recently signed more than 53,000 square feet in new leases to family-focused retail experiences — Burlington, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, and Five Below.
The shopping center is anchored by ShopRite, and signing of the junior anchor tenants reflects a sustained surge in demand for quality, community-oriented offerings and helps solidify the center’s role as a regional retail destination.
“The recent leasing success at Columbia Park Center highlights the center’s appeal to both national brands and local families alike,” said Sunny Choi, director – head of leasing at Madison International Realty, the owner and operator of Columbia Park Center. “We’re seeing retailers prioritize locations that offer built-in foot traffic and neighborhood connectivity — trends that have only accelerated in markets like North Bergen post-pandemic.”
RIPCO Real Estate’s Jake Frantzman, Vice President, and Florian Suserman, Executive Vice President, are the exclusive leasing agents for Columbia Park Retail Center representing the property in all the new lease signings.
“The recent additions of Aqua-Tots, Five Below, and Burlington reflect the growing demand for family-friendly retail options that provide both value and a sense of community. Columbia Park’s prime location and strong anchor tenants position it as a key destination in the North Bergen area,” said Jake Frantzman, vice president at RIPCO Real Estate.
Among the newest additions is Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, which opened in April. The 9,064-square-foot facility boasts a 90-degree, 68-foot-long pool with 18 swim zones, and 15 changing rooms. Bobby Antonicello Jr at Grid Commercial Real Estate Advisors represented Aqua-Tots Swim School.
Also joining Columbia Park Center is discounter Five Below, which has signed a 10-year lease for an 11,527-square-foot space and is expected to open later this year. Tom Rettaliata and Jeffrey Howard, vice chairmen at RIPCO Real Estate, represented Five Below.
Burlington, a nationally recognized value retailer, marks another 10-year lease at the shopping center with a 32,645-square-foot space. Clifford Simon of CNS represented Burlington.
