On Thursday, the world’s largest retail real estate convention wrapped up after four days in Las Vegas. The 2017 International Council of Shopping Centers 2017 event took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center & Westgate Las Vegas Hotel.

 

There were no officials from the City of Bridgeport at the event. That doesn’t mean, however, the city’s interests weren’t being part of the proceedings. In fact, it happened as Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman said it would.

 

During March’s meeting of the Bridgeport Development Authority, Spellman gave the panel an update on activities at the Meadowbrook Mall. At the forefront of that discussion was commentary relating to the space that had just become vacant due to the departure of Sears from the 30-plus-year-old building.

 

Spellman told the group that a good chance for the foundation of a deal being made with a potential anchor store – if one were to be made – would take place in May. And he said it would be at the aforementioned conference in Las Vegas.

 

Earlier this week, that was confirmed by an official with the Cafaro Corporation, the company that owns the Meadowbrook Mall property. Joe Bell, the director of corporate communications for the company, said Cafaro has a substantial presence at the convention with the goal of finding tenants for Meadowbrook Mall and other properties they manage.

 

“As we speak, all of our leasing people are at the International Council of Shopping Centers in Las Vegas,” said Bell on Monday. “Deals aren’t always consummated there, but discussions and the beginnings of deals are initiated there. This event is a very important part of the industry and Meadowbrook Mall is definitely part of the discussion there.”

 

While the event is big and could be the first step toward filling the Sears space, Bell said Cafaro didn’t wait until this past week and the convention to begin marketing the property. He said that’s been going on since before the doors closed.

 

“We have talked with a variety of retailers and it’s not far enough along in any situation to say we’re close to a deal with any of them,” said Bell. “There are retailers that believe there is potential here, but that isn’t necessarily an indication they will come here.”

 

Since Sears’ closing was announced, Bell has been very forward in saying the mall was open to finding another anchor or subdividing the store for multiple tenants. In fact, he said nothing is off the table. When asked if it’s possible that a store that requires more than one floor could be added, said that’s not off the table either.

 

“Theoretically you could do that, but whether it makes sense to do that you just don’t know. It might not be financially prudent, but anything is possible with the right amount of money,” said Bell.

 

And there’s also the possibility the Sears space could be removed. Not, said Bell, for additional parking, but to change the layout of the mall if needed.

 

“That’s possible because there are a number of ways in the past we have reconfigured the mall property. We’ve made out space out of two or two spaces out of one or cut and sliced space,” said Bell. “It’s all a matter of need. If someone wants to expand a section and it’s feasible and the finances are right, then we’ll do it. Right now, we just don’t know.”

 

Here’s what he does know. There will not be an anchor store replacing Sears before the end of 2017. There will likely be seasonal stores using parts or even all of the space when the holiday season arrives. After that, everything is up for grabs.

 

“There are a number of good outcomes, but they won’t necessarily be between now and December. Whatever happens may require redevelopment work with a buildout or subdivision and that takes time,” said Bell. “We’re hopeful contact that we’ve already made and contact made in Las Vegas will lead us to where we’re going to be. Where we’re going to be, though, on a long-term basis won’t be open this calendar year.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows one of Sears signs before going out of business, while Joe Bell is shown below.