Plans for Dillard’s relocation to Westroads Mall remain in place, but construction on the project has not yet begun, according to the mall’s general manager.
The department store plans to move from Oak View Mall into the former Younker’s building at Westroads Mall, where it will undergo a major renovation and expansion. While some equipment has previously appeared on site, Ryan Conlon, general manager at Westroads, said work has not officially started.
“They’re finishing a job out of state,” Conlon said. “I think they’ll start this quarter, but we’re still standing by for an official date.”
As previously reported, Dillard’s purchased the long-vacant Younker’s building on the mall’s west end and plans to gut the space, add a 32,000 sq, ft. expansion and construct a new entrance. Once complete, the two-story store will total 207,800 sq. ft.
Conlon said the retailer’s arrival is expected to significantly increase traffic at the mall and the project will also dramatically reshape the west end of Westroads.
“It will be a major change,” Conlon said. “It will be a great addition here.”
The anticipated increase in traffic could draw interest from other retailers. Conlon said national brands are closely watching the Dillard’s project before making leasing decisions.
“There are a lot of national retailers that want to see Dillard’s,” Conlon said. “They want to look at Dillard’s before making a commitment.”
The timeline for the project remains unchanged. The mall hopes to have Dillard’s open in time for the 2027 holiday shopping season.
Dillard’s, based in Little Rock, Ark., operates 278 stores in 30 states and plans to use its in-house construction team for the Westroads buildout.
