News Summary
Simon Property Group has commenced a $50 million expansion project at The Shops at Mission Viejo, set to introduce 50,000 square feet of retail and dining space. The project aims to create an open-air shopping village to enhance the consumer experience, featuring new restaurants and retailers. Anticipated to finish by the holiday season in 2026, this development reflects a trend towards revitalizing retail spaces in Orange County.
Mission Viejo, CA – Simon Property Group officially broke ground on September 18 for a $50 million expansion project at The Shops at Mission Viejo. This ambitious plan will introduce 50,000 square feet of new retail and dining space, with construction anticipated to conclude just in time for the holiday season in 2026.
The expansion aims to create an open-air shopping and dining “village” on the southeast side of the existing mall. This development will enhance the shopping experience by providing a variety of new options for both retail and dining, catering to the growing demand for experiential spaces in Orange County.
New Dining and Retail Offerings
As part of the expansion, several new merchants will be introduced to the mall. These include:
- Sbarro, known for Italian dishes since 1970, a staple in food courts.
- Iron King Mongolian BBQ, which enables customers to build customizable bowls of noodles, similar to an Asian Chipotle.
- Jamba Juice, located on the upper level between Islands and P.F. Chang’s.
- Mr. Inkwells Piercing Studio, offering tattoos and piercings with single-use needles and body-safe jewelry.
- Uniqlo, a Japanese retailer famous for its modern and minimalistic fashion.
The new wing will also include popular dining spots such as North Italia and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, enhancing the mall’s culinary offerings.
Renovations of Existing Stores
As part of the revitalization efforts, current stores Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn are set to reopen in early 2026 with redesigned spaces near the mall’s Nordstrom location. The renovations reflect Simon Property Group’s strategy to refresh aging properties and attract more visitors.
Current Mall Landscape
The Shops at Mission Viejo currently houses around 150 tenants, including major anchors like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Old Navy. This expansion is part of a broader trend in the Orange County retail market, where the availability of retail space has fallen to 3.9%, indicating robust demand for retail environments.
Simon Property Group’s goal with the expansion is to create a diverse blend of retail and dining experiences. This strategy aims to increase foot traffic and enhance the overall shopping experience for visitors looking for both shopping and dining under one roof.
Broader Market Trends
Similar expansions and renovations are in progress at other properties owned by Simon, including the Brea Mall, which is also focusing on open-air spaces and new dining and shopping options. These updates reflect a nationwide trend toward revitalizing retail spaces to meet the evolving preferences of today’s consumers.
The Shops at Mission Viejo’s $50 million expansion underscores Simon Property Group’s commitment to enhancing the consumer shopping experience. This significant investment is anticipated to transform the mall into a more appealing destination for both residents and visitors, aligning with contemporary retail trends that favor open-air environments and experiential offerings.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Status Update on New Stores at Mission Viejo Mall
- Wikipedia: Mission Viejo
- OC Business Journal: The Shops at Mission Viejo Expansion
- Google Search: Mission Viejo mall expansion
- Patch: Shops at Mission Viejo Expansion Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mission Viejo
- CoStar: Orange County Mall Upgrades
- Google News: mall upgrades Orange County
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
