The Oaks continues expansion
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

"Under construction" seems like an understatement at The Oaks mall, where many brandnew retailers will join renovated or expanded stores later this year.

No longer does Marin Drive serve as an entrance to the mall off Hillcrest Drive. Those who once used that option must now enter closer to Lynn Road.

As the work continues, the sound of jackhammers greets shoppers in the parking lot, which is filled with large trucks and other equipment. About 500 construction workers in hard hats and bright vests toil behind fenced areas around the outside of the mall and just about everywhere inside.

Once favorite parking spots are now behind chain-link fences and no longer available.

Among the new businesses, a 138,000-square-foot Nordstrom is scheduled to open Sept. 5 and Muvico Theaters by the end of the year.

The Oaks will add 27 new retailers. Personal care boutique Fruits and Passions, handbag and accessories boutique Kate Spade, fashion retailer Marcian and tea purveyor Teavana will be new to Ventura County.

"With our retail expansion in the California market, we feel this is a great area where we can continue catering to our customers who've been loyal to the brand for years but now can experience the world of kate spade in their own neighborhood and also open the door to new customers," said Deborah Lloyd, copresident and creative director for Kate Spade.

Other fashion and accessory retailers coming soon or recently opened at The Oaks include Abercrombie Kids, BabyGap/Maternity, Bare Escentuals, Beauty Essentials, Fast Fix Jewelry Repair, GAPkids, Guess, Hollister, Nailspot, Planet Funk and Solstice Sunglass Boutique.

"What is happening at The Oaks is remarkable- this property will be one of the most stunning settings for shopping, dining and entertaining in Southern California," said Randy Brant, executive vice president of real estate for Macerich, mall property owner.

Many of the retailers who've been at the mall for some time are getting a new look. Since construction began in January 2006, 40 of the veteran stores are planning to open new locations or are renovating and expanding existing locations at the center.

Right now the inside of the mall is a maze of scaffolding, orange cones and other signs of construction as wrought-iron chandeliers and wood accents are replaced by columns and stone flooring. Leather sofas will replace wooden benches so The Oaks will be more comfortable and more inviting to shoppers.

But until that happens, there are few places to sit and relax, and i t feels like someone should be handing out hard hats. None of this, however, seems to matter to visitors, who navigate the mall with shopping bags, strollers and ice cream cones.

This is the first significant upgrade for the mall after 30 years. A 650-seat food court- part of the first phase- will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, adjacent restrooms and a new children's play area, which is already in use. The other phases are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

The 1.3-million-square-foot shopping center will also include Macy's Women, Macy's Men, Home & Children, J.C. Penney, the Cheesecake Factory, Sisley Italian Kitchen and more than 170 specialty stores indoors and outdoors.

For more information, visit www.ShopTheOaksMall.com.