Toys, chocolate and clothing are coming to the HARBORCENTER in downtown Buffalo. Clayton's Toys, Fowler's Chocolates and Modern Nostalgia are the latest retailers to sign three-year leases at the mized-use facility.
"It's going to really enhance the experience here," said Stan Makowski, Vice President of Arena Operations for the Buffalo Sabres. "Terry and Kim Pegula have been dedicated to bringing retail to downtown Buffalo, specifically Canalside."
Fowler's and Clayton's are longtime businesses in the Buffalo area. Modern Nostalgia, which features women and men's clothing, operates a location on Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo.
A fourth retailer, Red Siren, a new women's apparel store, was the first tenant to be announced in March.
Buffalo Sabres Chief Development Officer Cliff Benson told reporters they believe the business are the right fit for HARBORCENTER.
"Think about lots of families that come here on the weekends. So hockey moms, this will be a wonderful place for them to go to, folks who come in the summer for all the events. We just think the distinction of the type of retailers that we have in here is going to be a great asset not only for those visiting HARBORCENTER for other reasons, but they will come down here specifically because of those retailers," said Benson.
All four shops are expected to open in early July.
"We think this will be not only an enhancement for all the visitors that come to HARBORCENTER and Canalside, but it will also be another reason to come down here and another element that makes it a destination," stated Makowski.
The business owners from Clayton's and Modern Nostalgia told reporters they received very good deals to move into the HARBORCENTER space, however they would not reveal their lease costs.
Meanwhile work continues to complete the Marriott Hotel inside HARBORCENTER. Benson explained that two harsh winter seasons caused some setbacks for the project. It was slated to open this spring, but that opening has been pushed to this fall.
