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Just why the Subway sandwich shop shuttered its doors at the Westford Valley Marketplace this month remains a mystery, but Andy LaGrega isn’t worried.
One of three principals of the Wilder Companies, the company which manages the Westford Valley Marketplace, LaGrega is helping to re-shape the shopping center.
“It’s all about the experience,” he said. “Things that you can’t do online…The apparel business is slow. We’re bringing in more contemporary uses like restaurants and fitness centers.”
The Renaissance of the old plaza began with the arrival in 2016 of a 40,000 square foot Whole Foods grocery store, which brands itself as a high end, organic food supplier. Then came Orange Theory Fitness, which focuses its exercise program around spiking the metabolism and burning calories. The small gym took over the space once occupied by the Toy Shop of Westford.
LaGrega noted that big gyms are not attracting female exercisers as much as they once did.
Along with several new tenants, the plaza is also getting a new facade, said LaGrega, who credits Whole Foods with launching the new era.
“Bringing in Whole Foods has given us the opportunity to remerchandise the center and bring in contemporary uses,” he said.
Soon to be announced is a signed lease with a large liquor store that will occupy the space formerly used by Blockbuster Video. The approximately 6,000 square-foot area has been vacant since at least the mid 2000`s.
The Payless Shoes store is one of about 400 corporate closings. LaGrega said he’s working on a restaurant deal for the space.
“The food component is very important today,” he said.
Karma Japanese and Chinese Fusion Cuisine is on the verge of a renovation and expansion. The restaurant will take over the space now occupied by Anton’s Cleaners. Anton’s is moving a couple of doors down, LaGrega said.
As for the Subway shop, LaGrega said although the franchisee closed the doors indefinitely, Wilder Companies holds a lease with Subway International.
“Subway loves the location and they want to bring in another franchisee,” said LaGrega.
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