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The basics:

• West Orange Plaza reports strong leasing momentum ahead of Target‘s arrival
• VIO Med Spa, Quickway Hibachi and Namkeen Hot Chicken signed new leases
• The shopping center is undergoing a multimillion-dollar redevelopment
• Target is expected to open a 150,000-sq-ft store in March 2026

West Orange Plaza is reporting strong tenant demand ahead of Target’s launch next spring at the newly transformed shopping center.

According to Levin Management Corp., the following brands recently signed leases to open soon at the 298,000-square-foot site on Prospect Avenue:

• National medical spa brand VIO Med Spa
• Maryland-based fast-casual hibachi concept Quickway Japanese Hibachi
• Nashville-style hot chicken chain Namkeen Hot Chicken Joint

They join a lineup that includes Whole Foods Market, Verizon, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Dogtopia, America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses and Club Pilates.

The new 3wellness and dining concepts come as West Orange Plaza continues to undergo a multimillion-dollar redevelopment project led by LMC’s in-house construction management team that includes new buildings, expanded outparcel space and site upgrades.

LMC, the site’s exclusive leasing and managing agent, said the shopping center now has more than 33,000 square feet in new leases and pipeline activity.

‘Thoughtful redevelopment’

Ed Vasconcellos, the North Plainfield-based firm’s leasing representative who assisted the property’s ownership in the latest deals, said, “Momentum at West Orange Plaza really speaks to what can happen when ownership commits to thoughtful redevelopment.”

“We’re curating a mix of tenants that complement one another and reflect what this market wants — more dining, wellness and everyday service options in a highly convenient location. Interest has been extremely strong, and we expect this level of activity to continue as the outparcels and building renovations move forward,” he said.

LMC Chief Executive Officer Matthew Harding added, “West Orange Plaza is a great example of how we are helping our clients reposition properties for today’s retail environment. With Target coming, new outparcels underway and strong tenant demand, we’re creating a modern destination that serves both national brands and local operators. This work is very much in line with how we’re approaching our broader portfolio.”

‘Target’-ed opening date

At the shopping center, Target is taking over an anchor space that was once a Kmart store. An LMC spokesperson said the 150,000-square-foot store is projected to open March 2026.

Of the big box chain’s 2,000 stores across the U.S., Target has 53 sites in New Jersey. Its newest location launched last summer in Flemington at Flemington Marketplace, where LMC also serves as exclusive leasing and managing agent.

The site underwent an enhancement project that converted a former Burlington store into a 75,525-square-foot Target. Other key tenants include Kohl’s, Aldi, Michael’s, Chilis, Panera Bread, Verizon, Norman’s Hallmark, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Cold Stone Creamery and Frank’s Italian Family Restaurant.