Panda Mart, a popular discount retailer with 100 stores outside the United States, is coming to Orange County, leasing its first domestic store at the former Sears in Orange.
Brokers at JLL who negotiated the lease at the Village at Orange declined to comment on the new tenant. Sears, which has been closed for years, was divided in order to make room for a 24-Hour Fitness gym.
So, what is Panda Mart? Imagine if Big Lots and Home Goods had a baby, a big one.
Videos of the store in other countries show aisles jammed with thousands of products that range from household goods and furniture to appliances, electronics, beauty products, toys and gardening supplies. We watched a 35-minute video of a store in Auckland, New Zealand, and couldn’t quite grasp the absolute, never-ending supply of stuff that was packed into countless aisles.
According to reports from New Zealand, where the chain last winter opened a store in Christchurch, the South Africa-based chain is sourced from China-based wholesale distributors.
Also see: Village at Orange closing its interior mall after 50 years of making memories
The mall closed its interior in January and demolished those structures by mid-year. Exterior-facing tenants remain. Housing has been proposed for the property, drawing a mixed reaction from locals, especially those who live adjacent to the tired retail center.
The owner of the former JC Penney building at one time asked city for approval to replace the retail store with 209 condos and accessory dwelling units.
Many Orange residents have long hoped that a new retailer (Costco, a front-runner for fans) would claim a good portion of the mall. Look no farther than social media, and you’ll find myriad discussions about its fate.
A Facebook post on Nov. 9 had residents bemoaning Panda Mart and “more crap from China,” while others considered it “better than high-density housing.”
As commenter Gloria Mendez said, the new store will likely give Walmart a run for its money. The Arkansas-based retailer is one of several remaining tenants. Others include Home Goods, Sprouts, the fitness center and several small restaurants and stores.
Also see: Developers propose 576 homes in Orange, some at the mall, others by hospital
Gym opens in San Clemente
EōS Fitness is open in San Clemente, replacing a former Staples office supply store.
The 30,250-square-foot, full-service gym includes cardio and strength equipment and personal training options.
EōS is open 24 hours a day with memberships starting as low as $10 monthly.
The San Clemente gym, a first for EōS in the city, is the company’s 18th in California.
Address: 93 Via Pico Plaza
On the move
Shuta Aoki has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Irvine-based Marukome USA Inc. He will be the fifth generation CEO for the same manufacturer founded in 1854. Aoki previously served as president of Marukome USA.
Milestones
Debora Wondercheck, founder and chief executive of Arts & Learning Conservatory, is the recipient of a silver Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year in the Government/Non-Profit category. The Costa Mesa-based ALC offers performing arts education to students of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels in Southern California.
Fundraisers
Orange County United Way raised at least $850,000 at its Centennial Gala held Nov. 2 at the Arctic transportation hub in Anaheim. The money will go toward the nonprofit’s programs and services helping local students and at-risk families. “The Centennial Gala marked a momentous occasion for Orange County United Way, honoring the tremendous local impact made over the last 100 years while strengthening our commitment to transforming lives for the better in the next century,” Susan B. Parks, OC United Way’s president and CEO, said in a statement.
Illumination Foundation raised $263,000 at its fourth annual Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon held Oct. 25 at the Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. The money raised will go toward providing housing and healthcare services to women in Illumination Foundation’s programs. The nonprofit’s mission is to “disrupt the cycle of homelessness by providing housing and healthcare services to those in need.”
Solutions for Urban Agriculture raised $300,000 at its ninth annual Harvest Moon Celebration held Sept. 20 at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. This Western-style event, themed “Boots and Bling,” will help the nonprofit offset costs for labor, seeds, equipment and educational outreach.
Update on McConnell’s
Representatives with Santa Barbara-based McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream said the opening originally scheduled for Nov. 21 has been moved to Thursday, Dec. 5 at the River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano. The 70-year-old company makes its traditional ice cream from scratch using three main ingredients: cream, eggs and sugar. The ice cream shop is part of two dozen eateries debuting at the food hall in south Orange County.
News recap from last week
Soak City update: Knott’s Soak City will undergo its first major refurbishment in nearly a decade, writes Brady MacDonald. The Buena Park water park remodel is part of Six Flags’ plan to spend $1 billion at its 42 amusement parks and water parks over the next two years.
Six Flags Magic Mountain: Some of that $1 billion capital expenditure will go toward adding a 21st coaster at this Valencia theme park.
The original Panda: The Panda Inn in Pasadena, predecessor to the quick-serve chain Panda Express, reopened Friday, Nov. 15 after an overhaul. The sit-down restaurant at 3488 E Foothill Blvd. opened 51 years ago.
Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to sgowen@scng.com . Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
