Mississauga's Erin Mills Town Centre has almost completed an overhaul and last week, it announced a new anchor store will replace its former Target location. Based on customer feedback and in light of the increasing competition from two nearby expanding centres, Erin Mill's landlord decided to make the mall "better, not bigger".

The 850,000 square foot, 185-store Erin Mills Town Centre was built in 1989 and required updating. After engaging with shoppers to determine how the property could be improved, landlord 20 VIC Management decided to substantially renovate the property without expanding its footprint. Customers said that they preferred the mall's 'manageable' size compared to nearby centres, as well as convenient parking, wayfinding, and a variety of reasonably affordable stores with a focus on fashion.

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The landlord spent in excess of $100 million for an overhaul that saw common areas renovated, as well as the addition of a massive glass sphere at the mall's Centre Court. With a circumference of 283 feet, the sphere is the largest of its kind in the world. The Centre Court also features an infinity fountain, limestone flooring, and seating for patrons to socialize under natural light. MMC Architects oversaw the mall's overhaul.

Walmart will replace the mall's former Target store with a 136,000 square foot Walmart Supercentre, which will open later this year. The store will offer groceries as well as electronics, home decor and apparel, and will employ about 250 associates. According to Erin Mills' Vice President, Nance MacDonald, the mall is one of only a few GTA shopping centres to fill its vacated Target space. Target opened at Erin Mills in August of 2014, and closed eight months later in April of 2015. Walmart joins a 134,000 square foot Hudson's Bay, as well as Mississauga's only Sears store, measuring about 132,000 square feet.

The new second-level food court features 26 foot high ceilings, a 350 foot long window wall, and an outdoor patio with views of the expanding city of Mississauga skyline. The food court is one of several gathering places in the centre, as Erin Mills endeavours to be part of the community and will hold various events, such as fundraising events, at the centre.

Photos above were supplied by 20 VIC Management Inc.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: January 13, 2016