GlobeSt.com: What has been the latest news at Victor Valley?

Kuhn: In early October, Penney will officially open its 93,000 square foot, single story, full line department store. The new store will feature recognized brands such as Sephora, Liz Claiborne, I Heart Ronson, Bisou Bisou and Levi’s. The expanded store is opening in the former Forever 21 location and will be approximately twice the size of the current jcpenney.

In spring 2013, Macy’s will open its doors to a brand new 103,000-square-foot department store. The store will feature Macy’s well-regarded set of national and locally edited merchandise.The center’s Cinemark Theatre recently completed a renovation of its own. The theater boasts the largest HD Theater in the High Desert and offers wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens.

The center is also in the midst of remodeling all four major entrances. The sleek glass storefronts and travertine stone give the center a whole new look and feel. Along with new landscaping and additional seating, The Mall of Victor Valley becomes even more inviting. Construction on the four entrances is taking place right now and two of them opened over Labor Day weekend and the other two will be complete just in time to celebrate the opening of the new Penney in October.

GlobeSt.com: What you see as the greatest opportunity at Victor Valley?

Kuhn: The Mall at Victor Valley is the dominant shopping center for this key part of Southern California. The property’s high-profile location on I-15 and Bear Valley Road; its loyal shopper base; and strong working relationships with the City of Victorville contribute to its continuing success. The fact that Macy’s is building a brand new store here is testament to the power of this center and this market, and we look forward to adding even more national brands to our already strong roster of stores.

GlobeSt.com: Why do you think this asset has performed so well, and how were you able to attract Macy’s to the center?

Kuhn: For many years, Southern California’s High Desert has been a fast-growing market thanks to family-friendly housing prices and good employment opportunities. Since it was built in 1987, our well-situated property has been continually serving the needs of this market by always evolving to meet the changing preferences of the community. New stores, fresh amenities and modern design elements help keep this property top of mind for Victorville and the region. All of these reasons made our location desirable for a premier national fashion anchor like Macy’s.

GlobeSt.com: What has driven new tenants to move to your center?

Kuhn: The powerful combination of strong demographics and the center’s collection of brands, make The Mall of Victor Valley a natural choice for retailers who want to reach the region’s attractive and ready consumers. Additionally, the effective management team maintains excellent working relationships with the City of Victorville and contributes to a friendly business environment for the retail community. In all, more than 546,000 square feet of shopping space that includes Sears, Penney and soon, Macy’s, meets the needs of this appealing market. This center is also home to in-line stores that include Bath and Body Works, Vans, The Children’s Place, Victoria’s Secret and Barnes & Noble, to name a few.

Our leasing team is always in talks and negotiations to bring new and exciting retail and entertainment to this dynamic center. The expansion of Penney, the addition of Macy's and Macerich's capital investment in the Mall of Victor Valley have spawned a new interest from retailers formerly not in the market. Looking forward, we are excited by current negotiations and look forward to announcing our new merchants in the near future.

GlobeSt.com: What is your perspective of retail in that region?

Kuhn: The Mall of Victor Valley continues to be a powerful draw for High Desert consumers and beyond. The center creates a nexus that enhances the regions retail offerings and we are proud of the center and its recent additions.

Retail and entertainment in the High Desert has always been responsive to the consumers and the Mall at Victor Valley is no exception. The Mall of Victor Valley is committed to family friendly events from the quintessential holiday visit with Santa to an on-going partnership with Circus Vargas. With our new and expanded anchors and the addition of the new-to-market retailers, The Mall of Victor Valley is a stronger retail draw than ever.