Despite news of retail gloom, mall is adding and expanding stores

TAMPA —While mall operators across the country are focused on finding non-traditional tenants to stay relevant as shopping habits evolve, International Plaza is doubling down on its niche market of high-end luxury retailers that attract both local shoppers and travelers.

Tampa’s high-end mall has added five new tenants in the past year and has another half dozen either expanding or moving in by the end of this year.

Lindsay Grinstead, International's marketing and sponsorship director, says in an email that while there is a lot of talk about brick-and-mortar retail going the way of the dinosaur, “in many places (like International Plaza!) it’s thriving and better than ever.”

Among those joining a roster that already includes Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Breitling, is Saint Laurent, the retail store for the fashion label Yves St. Laurent.

The Tampa location, according to the Yves St. Laurent website, will be the 45th retail location for the company, which already has stores in Chicago, Boston, Waikiki and Beverly Hills.

Here is a list of what’s coming, what’s expanded and what's already opened.

New stores scheduled to be opened later this year:

• Saint Laurent — French luxury fashion designer.
• Golden Goose —Luxury sneaker and footwear designer.
• Laderach — Swiss chocolatier.

Existing stores undergoing expansion:

• Free People — Women’s clothing retailer.
• Gucci— Italian luxury fashion designer.
• Lululemon —High-end sportswear company.

Tenants that have recently opened:

• 10&10 Enoteca — Wine bar and eatery.
• King Corona Cigars — Cigar bar and café.
• Arhaus —Luxury furniture maker.
• Burger Culture — Restaurant with more than 20 different burgers on the menu.
• TravisMathew — Men’s clothing retailer.