ICSC MAY, 2003PAGE 1

Phase II Opening of Festival Bay at International Drive Brings New Mix of Tenants to Orlando

Festival Bay at International Drive unveiled more retailing firsts for Orlando when it opened Phase II on April 3.

Featuring the first Sheplers Western Wear east of the Mississippi and the only Steve and Barry’s University Sportswear in the Southeast, the center is home to one-of-a-kind anchor stores not found anywhere else in the Orlando area.

Anchor tenants Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, a 20-screen Cinemark Theatre, and Vans Skatepark opened during Phase I. "Visitors to Festival Bay at International Drive can find an unusual mix that does not include a traditional department store," said Andrew J. Groveman, senior vice president, representing project developer B.T. Orlando Limited Partnership. "Shoppers won’t find this extraordinary combination of brands that celebrate active lifestyles anywhere else in the United States."

Phase II also introduced Hilo Hattie, "The Store of Hawaii" to Orlando. Other unique shops that opened include trendy men’s and women’s apparel retailer Epoxy; CoKooning, a tabletop and kitchen store; Candle Time gifts; and Black Market Minerals rock and mineral collectibles.

Charlotte Russe, PacSun, Journeys, and Hot Topic also opened April 3. Shops opening soon are Ron Jon Surf Shop, arguably the nation’s best known surf brand; Storyville books and gifts; BCBG women’s apparel; Hollywood Classics movie memorabilia; Putting Edge glow-in-the-dark miniature golf; and many others.

Another feature that sets Festival Bay at International Drive apart from traditional malls is its architectural design. The center was designed by the Jerde Partnership, the firm that created the concepts for famous buildings such as the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Mall of America, and the 1984 Olympic facilities.

Designed to celebrate the Florida lifestyle, the center features elaborate mosaic tiling, open plazas, stylish lighting, and images of tropical plants and wildlife.

Five interconnected walkways extend from an impressive atrium in the shape of a scalloped seashell. A water feature gives the illusion of water flowing from the interior fountain to the exterior man-made bay. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the cheerful cityscape storefront facades.

The kickoff of a 12-week-long celebration for the center will begin on June 12, 2003.

Hilo Hattie Introduces Island Wear and Gifts to Orlando

Hilo Hattie introduced island wear and a new store concept to Orlando when it opened at Festival Bay at International Drive.

The 6,000-square-foot store kicked off opening day with an authentic "Hawaiian blessing" ceremony with an actual Kahuna (or Hawaiian priest), hula dancers, and entertainers.

Hawaii’s largest shopping attraction, Hilo Hattie features authentic Hawaiian clothing, furnishings, crafts, gifts, and gourmet food. The new store design includes natural materials such as bamboo at the entrance and a thatched hut in the center of the store.

The new design concept is built around a vintage Hawaiian theme. The interior incorporates vibrant colors, tropical images and the music of the islands. In addition to the natural bamboo facade, the exterior evokes thoughts of the warm tropics with oversized yellow plumeria flowers and Hilo Hattie’s hibiscus logo.

"Hilo Hattie brings the ‘Aloha Spirit’ to Orlando," said Paul deVille, president and CEO of Hilo Hattie. "We are pleased to join the one-of-a-kind retail and entertainment mix at Festival Bay at International Drive in offering the look and taste of Hawaii to Central Florida’s residents and visitors."

Ron Jon to Bring Surfing Fun to Orlando

World-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop is one of the most highly anticipated retailers coming to Festival Bay at International Drive. When the 15,000-square-foot store opens on May 23, it will feature the lifestyle-apparel and board-sports equipment made famous by the company’s flagship store in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

The Ron Jon logo is known world-wide and can be found on cars, T-shirts, surfboards, and skateboards. Stickers have even been seen on the Eiffel Tower, and have actually traveled to space with astronaut Shannon Lucid.

Ron Jon Surf Shop was founded in 1961, on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, by surfing enthusiast Ron DiMenna. In 1963, DiMenna opened the store in Cocoa Beach, Florida that has become its flagship. Since then, the surfing industry has exploded, and the Cocoa Beach store, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, now attracts more than two million visitors annually.

Old West Meets Southeast as Sheplers Western Wear Opens in Orlando

Modern day cowboys and cowgirls in Central Florida can now shop to their heart’s content in the new 40,000-square-foot Sheplers Western Wear, which recently opened at Festival Bay at International Drive.

The definitive location for trappings of the old and new West, Sheplers features a full range of products, including dress and work apparel, boots, jeans, hats, accessories, and gifts.

Known as "the world’s largest western wear store," Sheplers began as a single store in Wichita, Kansas. Since then, it has grown to nineteen stores, an international catalog, and the largest western store on the internet.

Steve and Barry’s University sportswear Is Sure to Score with Collegiate Sports Lovers

Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear is a leading sportswear retailer that offers a large selection of licensed collegiate apparel. It also offers a Steve & Barry’s branded casual line of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, including jeans, khakis, t-shirts, shorts, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, and footwear.

The company owns and operates 18 retail locations around the country in shopping malls and on college campuses. The innovative retailer uses "cutting edge" graphic and production techniques to provide its customers with top quality merchandise at incredibly low prices.

For leasing information, call 901-260-7350.