Galleria at Sunset mall undergoes renovations, plans new wing

As the Galleria at Sunset mall presses forward with the completion of its renovation this fall, one of the first new amenities is scheduled to open Sept. 19.

“People can expect a brand-new and improved shopping center,” said Heather Valera, the director of marketing for the mall, 1300 W. Sunset Road. “We have listened closely to what our shoppers want.”

One of the additions, the clothing store H&M, is slated to join the mall’s list of retailers.

“It is one of the most sought-after stores,” Valera said. “We have had an overwhelming request by shoppers to add one in. We are very fortunate to add it.”

The store is expected to be two stories and feature men’s and women’s fashion.

“It will be located in the heart of the mall,” Valera said.

Adding H&M is just one part of the mall’s plan.

Earlier this year, the mall announced it would start a $7 million renovation.

“It was time,” Valera said. “Shopping centers generally go through renovations every 10 to 20 years. We were seeing a steady increase in sales over the last few years. It was a good indication it was time.”

Valera added that the mall’s leasing capacity is in the mid- to high-percentile range, which is above the national average.

This is the first renovation since the 1.5-million-square-foot shopping center, owned and operated by Forest City Enterprises, opened in 1996. It features more than 140 retailers.

“When we opened our doors 17 years ago, the Galleria at Sunset was the premier shopping destination in Southern Nevada,” Valera said. “The renovation is allowing us to continue the legacy as Henderson’s community gathering place.”

The mall is also adding improvements to the food court, the guest services center and the restrooms, including adding a private family bathroom with a nursing station.

Valera said the improvements should be completed by the end of October.

Jay Bearden, the cart manager of an Invisible Shield mall kiosk, has been at the retail facility six years.

“I like the look they are bringing in,” he said. “It is something new. It’s a nice change from what it was before.”

Bearden said he can’t wait for construction to be over.

“I think it has had an effect on the business and the amount of customers I get,” he said.

Additionally, the cart is next to the elevator, which is undergoing repairs.

“It would bring in a lot of traffic,” he said.

Bearden hopes the new additions to the mall can bring in new customers.

After the renovations are completed, Valera said the mall is expected to begin construction on a new 30,000-square-foot wing near its south side next to Dillard’s department store.

The wing, scheduled to begin undergoing construction in January 2014 and be completed in 2015, is slated to hold new restaurants.

“It something shoppers have been wanting that we have really lacked,” Valera said.

There are two restaurants in the mall: Chevys Fresh Mex and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.

Valera could not verify which restaurants would be added to the new wing.

“But I can say they will be some of the first and only in our market,” she said. “It’s really exciting.”

For more information, visit galleriaatsunset.com or call 702-434-0202.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.