2010-09-02 / Front Page

New shops are opening in T.O.

By Nancy Needham

The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks is opening new shops and restaurants that should please visitors of all ages.

Ryan Williams, The Oaks’ marketing manager, said the new leases will fill 7,500 square feet in time for holiday shoppers.

The mall underwent a $250- million facelift and expansion in 2008. Public response has been positive, and retailers and restaurant owners are noticing.

“The Oaks mall has well over the national average occupancy space of a regional mall,” Williams said.

That means it’s better able to lease its space than most shopping centers nationwide.

The six new places to shop and eat should fit right in, Williams said.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is opening in October in a 1,200- square-foot space right next to Muvico.

According to Restaurant Business magazine, it’s the fastestgrowing franchise in the country. There are currently 55 locations.

Owner Hooman Lahooti is excited to be at that location in the mall because he sees the area as a hot spot for people to flock to and hang out. Menchie’s at other locations has attracted young and old to come and taste their offerings and is known for attracting the young and famous. Everyone is welcome, Lahooti said.

“Everybody loves Menchie’s. You don’t have to be famous,” he said.

Local resident Viktor Sirothin has opened his dream store, he said.

Papilio Leg Wear and Swimwear is a niche boutique in a 228-square-foot space next to Nordstrom, Williams said.

“The Oaks mall is a very nice area to open a high-quality boutique with designer leg wear made in Italy,” Sirothin said.

Sideline Sports is scheduled to open in September in 1,375 square feet upstairs next to Gap Kids. It will sell men’s and women’s athletic wear and sports memorabilia.

Vans, which is already at The Oaks, is expanding. It will double its size to 3,000 square feet when it moves to the outdoor expansion area near Pacuigo Gelato. It should open there in October.

The final space open in the food court will be filled with Mongolian barbecue when Great Khan opens in September.

“The food court is now completely leased up,” Williams said.

Brightly colored footwear will move into the mall in October when Crocs opens next to Guess by Marciano.

“The Oaks is a great destination. Muvico is doing wonderfully. We have a great mix of different selections with over 160 stores and restaurants,” Williams said.

The mall offers apparel for men, women and children; cards; gifts; electronics; home furnishings; toys; games; and entertainment along with restaurants and a covered parking structure.

See related story on page 10.

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