Retail roundup: Poets Square, St. Georges Crossing, Neptune Plaza

Retail centers continue to add to the mix throughout the state. Here's some of the latest from Newmark Associates, Levin Management Corp. and Azarian Realty Co.

Poet's Square in Freehold hit 100% occupancy, Newmark Associates announced July 24.

Located along Thoreau Drive, the neighborhood lifestyle retail center boasts approximately 40,000 square feet. Managing Director Helen Elbaum and Senior Associate Allan Settlow led the assignment, Newmark said.

According to the firm, the milestone represents its successful marketing strategy and client-focused approach.

Tenants at the shopping complex include: Minuteman Press, Lyons & Associates, Lux Modern Beauty, The Dog Spa, Try Vegan, Semper Fit Boxing and others.

Poet's Square is adjacent to the 400-unit Poet's Corner Housing Development. According to Bukiet Builders' website , Poet's Corner has no current availabilities. The Clifton-based developer describes Poet's Square as a "park-like center" comprised of eight buildings with 5,000 square feet each. The site offers plentiful parking, with two lots consisting of more than 200 spaces.

The property offers prominent frontage on Kozloski Road as well as easy access to Routes 33, 537, 18, 34 and 9; the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike.

Based in Cedar Knolls, Newmark is a woman-owned brokerage specializing in lease and sales transactions across office, industrial, retail, land, health care and mixed-used properties.

St. Georges Crossing

In Woodbridge, Nothing Bundt Cakes is the latest to join the lineup at St. Georges Crossing.

Levin Management Corp. announced the nation's largest specialty cake company will bring its bakery to the retail center July 23. The addition marks the introduction of a new retail category at the 343,000-square-foot community shopping center, according to LMC.

The North Plainfield-based company serves as leasing and managing agent for St. Georges Crossing.LMC Senior Leasing Representative E.J. Moawad arranged the lease on behalf of the landlord; Jamie Sackeim, partner, The Shopping Center Group (TSCG), represented the tenant.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodbridge will offer handcrafted Bundt cakes in a variety of flavors and sizes, according to Hansraj Agrawal, an established restaurant business operator and owner of the St. Georges Crossing shop.

Agrawal said he was drawn to the complementary tenant mix, prime location and strong regional demographics the property offers.

Situated at the intersection of Routes 1&9 and 35, St. Georges Crossing draws 4.3 million visitors each year, according to Placer.ai data . LMC said this makes it the most-visited shopping center in the local market as well as the seventh-most visited in the state. St. Georges Crossing outperforms 97% of shopping centers in New Jersey, LMC said.

A high-volume ShopRite anchors the property. Other tenants include T.J.Maxx, Pet Smart, West Marine, Ulta Beauty, AutoZone, House of Wine & Liquor, Comcast Xfinity, European Wax Center, Visionworks, Verizon, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Taco Bell, Jersey Mike’s and others. KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot will join the lineup soon.

Piece of cake

“Bakery chains and other dessert-inspired concepts are increasingly popular with today’s consumers,” noted Moawad. “Within that segment, Nothing Bundt Cakes is a great addition to St. Georges Crossing. This chain brings something completely new and different to the property, and undoubtedly will be a tremendous draw.”

LMC is currently marketing a 38,500-square-foot availability at the property.

The deal also marks a continuation of the relationship between LMC and Nothing Bundt Cakes. In December, the company announced a lease for the brand at Aldrich Plaza in Howell. LMC said more are in the works.

Founded in 1997, the Dallas-based bakery company has locations in 40 states and Canada. It recently opened its 600th bakery, with plans to hit 1,000 by 2027, LMC said.

“Both leases are a testament to the strength and appeal of our retail properties and the expertise of our in-house leasing professionals,” said LMC Chief Executive Officer Matthew Harding. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Nothing Bundt Cakes and help bring their delightful offerings to new communities.”

Neptune Plaza

In Monmouth County, Azarian Realty Co. announced a new lease with The UPS Store at Neptune Plaza Shopping Center.

Located in Neptune City, the 217,748-square-foot shopping center comprises 23 tenant spaces ranging between 1,042 square feet and 113,176 square feet.

The UPS Store's 1,621-square-foot space brings the plaza to full occupancy.

A new, nearly 59,000-square-foot Hobby Lobby is under construction at the retail center. Other tenants include World Class ShopRite, IHOP, Verizon, Carvel, Cricket Wireless and a freestanding TD Bank.

Midland Park-based Azarian is the exclusive leasing and property management agent for Neptune Plaza Shopping Center.

Azarian Realty Executive Vice President Kevin Pelio represented the unnamed landlord and Matt Grundy of Jeffrey Realty represented the tenant in this transaction.

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