THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 10, 1994 TAG: 9411080108
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
A major vacancy has been filled at Norfolk's oldest shopping center.
After more than a year and a half without an anchor retail tenant, Southern Shopping Center cheered the arrival of Peebles Department Store on Oct. 28.
``We'd been courting Peebles for a long time, but the wait was worth it. We needed a strong retailer,'' said Wood Belcher, leasing agent for Goodman Segar Hogan Hoffler, the firm that manages the property.
The newcomer held a grand opening throughout the weekend, complete with $500 shopping spree giveaways, live music and an appearance by Miss Virginia, Cullen Johnson. Shoppers curious to see the new store came out in strong numbers.
``I'm very pleased with the reception we've had,'' said manager Jim Wanzong. ``This has been a very good turnout.''
The shiny new site is 30,000 square feet and has 35 employees, a medium-sized department store. It carries women's, men's, and children's apparel and accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, shoe and home furnishings. Brands such as Haggar, Levi Strauss, Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren, and Elizabeth Arden are among the variety of labels. According to Wanzong, Peebles is a full-service department store catering to middle-income America.
``It's not a Macy's, but it's not a K-Mart, either. It's in the class of an Upton's, Leggett's or Hecht's,'' he said.
The store filled the space where Sears had been, and Penney's before that. It is one of the newest locations in a network of 59 Peebles throughout the Southeast. Though the company was founded in Lawrenceville, Va., in 1881, the name is unfamiliar to many area residents. Wanzong said that Peebles doesn't usually locate in larger cities. The Southern Shopping Center site is the only in one in Southside Hampton Roads. Hampton is the closest other store.
But lack of familiarity hasn't quelled enthusiasm for the new retailer. Customers raved about Peebles.
``It's fabulous, we live five minutes from here,'' said Ann and Cathy Foster. ``It's not as high-priced as other department stores and they have a good selection,'' noted Ann.
``This is great for Norfolk,'' said Sarah Kirkley, who lives near DePaul Hospital. ``The clothes are nice, and there's plenty of parking, and it's safe. It's good for senior citizens.''
Some patrons were just window shopping. Others had bags filled to the brim. Several ladies who wished to remain anonymous said they had shopped at Penney's and Sears, and were glad to have a department store back in the area.
``It's absolutely convenient. Now we don't have to go to that mall,'' they echoed.
Employee and nearby resident Shirley Hartoon noted: ``It's a great place to work and shop.''
One woman who was familiar with the store was thrilled to have one come to town. ``I always shopped at Peebles when I lived on the Eastern Shore. I'm glad they've opened one in Norfolk,'' said Margo Stevens.
Pat Barham, promotions coordinator for the Southern Shopping Center Merchants Association, also shared the enthusiasm about the new site. ``We're very pleased to have Peebles come here,'' she said. ``I think it was needed, especially since all the major area department stores have left. Until now, the nearest ones were at Military Circle.''
Wanzong noted that business has remained strong since the grand opening. Barham said that volume throughout Southern Shopping Center has been up since the site's major renovations in 1991. She expects the department store to bring in more business. ``The addition of a department store makes the whole center work better,'' she noted. by CNB