Blue Star Shopping Center is undergoing a dramatic transformation into a regional destination, reporting a 40.1% year-over-year increase in annual visits to reach 3.8 million, according to data from Placer.ai. Levin Management Corp. (LMC), the firm overseeing the 420,000-square-foot property, is capitalizing on this momentum by securing over 23,000 square feet in new leases focused on experiential entertainment and fast-casual dining.
Located on the high-traffic Route 22 corridor, Blue Star benefits from a dense and affluent surrounding market, with over 269,000 residents within five miles and average household incomes exceeding $208,000. LMC’s recent leasing strategy aims to leverage these demographics by shifting the center’s focus from purely convenience-based retail to an experiential “day-out” destination.
“The visit numbers tell the story,” Matthew Harding, CEO of Levin Management Corp., said. “A 40% increase isn’t a blip. It reflects a fundamentally more compelling place to spend time. We’ve been intentional about building a mix where dining, entertainment, and convenience retail reinforce each other.”
The center’s latest additions diversify its offerings for both local residents and corporate groups:
- Dining: Philadelphia-born honeygrow is now open, offering customizable stir-fries and salads. Sakura Teriyaki has signed for a 4,000-square-foot freestanding location with a drive-thru, and construction is currently underway for a highly anticipated Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, which will feature an outdoor patio.
- Entertainment: iSmash is set to open a 7,234-square-foot venue featuring rage rooms, axe throwing, and splatter painting. Additionally, Back Nine Golf will provide a 5,465-square-foot indoor golf simulator experience with 24/7 member access.
These new concepts complement a strong anchor lineup that already includes ShopRite, Kohl’s, Burlington, Marshalls, and Planet Fitness. E.J. Moawad, senior leasing representative at LMC, noted that the influx of new tenants is a testament to the center’s evolving appeal.
“Blue Star has real momentum right now, and it’s attracting exactly the kind of retailers and entertainment concepts that today’s consumers are seeking out,” Moawad said.
With convenient access to Interstate 78 and significant daily traffic, Blue Star continues to attract interest from national brands. LMC is currently marketing additional spaces at the center, ranging from 1,600 to 27,000 square feet, as well as an 8,200-square-foot second-generation restaurant pad.
