New stores revitalize ABQ Uptown

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The local economy is showing some signs it could be on the road to recovery in Albuquerque.

Air USA announced intentions of starting up business in town and now retail is adding to the upswing. 

Outdoor gear retailer North Face opened their doors on Friday at ABQ Uptown. It's also hard to miss the construction driving along Louisiana of the new stores popping up across the street adjacent to the Winrock Mall.

"We're coming out of the darkness a little bit," says Jeremy Strife, Area Manager for Simon Property. "Tenants are coming back to the table and entertaining new deals and we're proud to have an asset that they're interested in."

That asset is in the form of popular outdoor retailer North Face which had it's grand opening on Friday.

Owners say filling that prime location at ABQ Uptown is key to the economic recovery in this area. That building on the property sat empty since Borders Books closed their doors in 2011. Owners also say demand for something like North Face to take it's place was a win for the area and shoppers.

"I like outdoors and hiking and they have everything i need inside," says North Face shopper Vera Lucci.

It's not only a plus for outdoor enthusiasts who've wanted a store like North Face here for a while, but the store coming here itself could be a big draw for others like it.

"In addition to North Face, we have four other first to market tenants that were able to open this year with Lululemon, Lush," says Strife. J. Crew and Gap are also expected to open locations in the coming months.

Meanwhile across the street, the first phase of re-vitalizing the adjacent property to Winrock Mall is underway.
Retailers say this is only the beginning to attracting more business to the area and creating jobs.

"We've also acquired the Trader Joe's property across the street here in June," adds Strife. "So all these assets coming together this summer for us, it makes us proud to contribute to the growing economic power of Albuquerque."

The next big store set to open it's doors at ABQ Uptown will be the J. Crew store by October.