For those wondering when ULTA Beauty would be opening its doors at the Meadowbrook Mall, it’s going to be sooner rather than later. Of course, depending on one’s perspective it may be later rather than sooner.

 

Earlier this week, an official involved with the Mall confirmed that construction is moving ahead with the new business. The tentative opening date is early to mid-November.

 

“It won’t be any later than that and, in fact, it may be sooner,” said Joe Bell, the director of corporate communications for the Ohio-based Cafaro Company that oversees the Mall. “All  businesses want to be ready to go by that time for the holiday shopping season so I’m confident that the date will be met with no problem.”

 

When Connect-Bridgeport announced the opening of ULTA on April 8, the Web site’s social media pages exploded with comments. While the majority of the comments were positive – and there were hundreds – many questioned what all the fuss was about. Much of the comments were divided along gender lines with the ladies gleefully taking to the news that the country’s largest beauty retailer that features cosmetics, fragrance, skin, hair care products and salon services were on its ways to Bridgeport.

 

“I’m not really surprised by the buzz surrounding the arrival of ULTA,” said Bell. “Demographic surveys show that women in their 20s and well into their 50s have a great interest in the company because there is a bigger interest than ever in self maintenance and physical well-being. Because of that, moreof their income is designated into the cosmetic and health and beauty categories. From the properties we deal with I can tell you that it’s more important than it’s ever been.”

 

While the arrival of ULTA may be good news for many consumers, it’s also good news for the Mall. After 30 years, when most malls have been mothballed, converted or demolished, the Meadowbrook Mall is thriving.

 

“We have a lot of interest in what we do and willing consumers in the Bridgeport area marketplace. Having a company like ULTA commit to the Meadowbrook Mall  and then have the excitement surrounding it shows that the property is still very much a vibrant property and very much alive,” said Bell.

 

ULTA will occupy 9,100 square feet. It will be situated across from the Hallmark store and Elder-Beerman.

 

While that property is secured, the future of another property that for decades was the home of RadioShack appears to be secured – at least for the short term. Bell said a deal is in the works for the property that came open when the long-time retailer met its demise as most know it on a national front due to bankruptcy.

 

“It’s not a finalized deal, but it appears they do have a temporary tenant in time for the holiday season,” said Bell. “Since it’s not finalized, it can’t be released.”

 

Most holiday stores open in November and close in January or into the early parts of February as standard procedure, Bell said. Sometimes, however, he said that holiday presence becomes a permanent one.

 

“It’s generally not the case, but that sometimes happens. It’s happened at the Meadowbrook Mall,” he said.

 

That business was the Toys ‘r Us Express. Initially, the store was to open for the holiday season. Eventually, it signed a lease and stayed for a while well beyond the holiday season. The story at the base of the mall's entrance remains open.

 

“It’s still kind of sad to see the RadioShack brand fade away, but that doesn’t mean we stop looking for someone to fill the space. As for anything permanent, I can tell you we have nothing on the hook, but we’re actively marketing it,” said Bell. “Our leasing agents are always working toward landing national or even local or regional businesses. We’re looking for the right fit and sometimes you don’t know that that fit will be. I’m confident that we’ll have that space filled.”