As virus impacts retail, Westbury mall offers vote of confidence

The coronavirus crisis continues to impact retailers and shopping centers, but the operators of a Westbury mall are expressing some optimism.

David Ackerman, marketing director for the Samanea New York shopping mall, says the crisis has provided an opportunity for the company to reaffirm its commitment to Long Island and the region.

The Samanea New York property, formerly known as the Mall at the Source, has been undergoing a massive redevelopment since Samanea’s parent company Lesso Group Holdings acquired the 723,326-square-foot retail site on Old Country Road in 2017.

“Our initial investment reflected our appreciation of this dynamic, diverse community, but its collective response to confront and contain this pandemic proves we made a good decision,” Ackerman said in a company statement. “When this virus begins to recede, we expect to be able to announce a series of tenant leases that will help spark the economic recovery Long Island will need. It will serve as a beacon for those seeking to once again enjoy the amenities we all understandably, took for granted just a month ago.”

In January, Samanea announced its largest new lease to date, a nearly 25,000-square-foot space that’s home to Bloomingdale’s Furniture.

“In the weeks to come, Samanea New York will continue to focus on the future while protecting the health and well being of those who are working to reinvent the mall as a proud community destination,” Ackerman said.