La Bonita Supermarkets Anchors East Las Vegas Plaza’s Rebirth

Exciting news for East Las Vegas! A prominent retail center at the vital intersection of Bonanza Road and Nellis Boulevard, which faced a major vacancy for years after Kmart closed, is now bustling with renewed energy. Locals can soon look forward to the much-anticipated opening of a new La Bonita Supermarkets location, complemented by other popular retailers that have already opened their doors, signifying a significant revitalization for the area.

From Vacancy to Vibrancy: Sunrise Plaza’s Remarkable Transformation

For a considerable period, the large shopping complex, formerly recognized as Sunrise Mountain Plaza and now simply referred to as “Sunrise,” struggled with a substantial void left by its anchor tenant, Kmart. This closure created a challenging environment for the property owner, Balboa Retail Partners, particularly amidst the growing competition from online retailers like Amazon. The struggle to fill such a massive space is common in retail, making the recent influx of diverse new businesses a welcome development and a testament to the enduring demand for local brick-and-mortar options in the community.

A Fresh Lineup of Retailers for East Las Vegas Residents

The former Kmart space, which originally spanned well over 100,000 square feet, has undergone a significant transformation. It has been strategically divided and renovated to accommodate multiple new tenants, bringing a variety of shopping opportunities back to East Las Vegas. The vibrant new roster includes:

• La Bonita Supermarkets: This highly anticipated local Hispanic grocery chain is set to become the new anchor. Its expansive store, measuring over 50,000 square feet, promises to provide a wide array of fresh produce, international selections, and daily necessities. Its arrival is a massive draw, expected to generate consistent foot traffic and benefit all neighboring businesses within the plaza. While an exact opening date is still pending, its imminent presence is a key indicator of the center’s revitalization.
• Boot Barn: Now open, this popular retailer offers an extensive selection of western and work wear, including boots, durable apparel, and accessories from leading brands. It caters to a diverse clientele seeking both fashion and functional clothing options.
• Ross Dress for Less: A well-known destination for savvy shoppers, Ross provides incredible value on brand-name clothing, accessories, and home fashion items. Its presence means more affordable shopping choices for families and individuals in the community.
• Five Below: This dynamic discount retailer specializes in trend-right products, all priced at five dollars or less. From tech gadgets and beauty supplies to home décor and party essentials, it appeals to a broad demographic, especially younger shoppers and families looking for everyday bargains and fun finds.
• Hibbett: Having successfully opened in March, Hibbett Sports brings a comprehensive range of athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment for various sports and activities. This addition supports active lifestyles and provides convenient access to popular brands for local sports enthusiasts.

These new additions not only effectively fill significant empty storefronts but also crucially diversify and enhance the retail offerings available to East Las Vegas residents, significantly boosting local convenience and choice.

The Complex Strategy of Dividing a “Big Box” Store

Filling an enormous space left by a major retailer like Kmart is never straightforward. Rhonda White, a leasing broker from Sage Commercial Advisors, explained that while landlords initially aim to secure a single tenant for such large vacancies, practicalities often dictate a different approach. When a single large user isn’t found, dividing the space into multiple smaller units becomes a necessary, albeit costly, undertaking. This process requires a substantial investment in infrastructure, including constructing new interior separation walls, meticulously splitting existing power services, installing new plumbing lines, updating ductwork, fabricating new storefronts, and creating dedicated delivery and loading facilities for each new tenant.

White noted the financial and logistical challenges: “They don’t like to do it. It’s often what they have to do.” This strategic investment by Sunrise landlord Balboa Retail Partners, who acquired the center in 2017, ultimately paved the way for the current wave of revitalization across the approximately 147,500 square feet of the plaza.

Community Impact: A Win for Residents and Local Economy

The presence of a grocery store as an anchor tenant, such as La Bonita Supermarkets, is universally recognized as a boon for any retail center. It creates a consistent flow of customers who visit frequently for daily necessities, naturally boosting sales for adjacent businesses and fostering a more dynamic shopping environment. Las Vegas Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, whose ward includes this revitalized center, eloquently articulated the broader community benefits.

Diaz highlighted that empty storefronts within a shopping plaza can inadvertently convey a “wrong message,” leading passersby to assume a lack of services or, worse, a decline in the neighborhood’s vitality. She recalled that after Kmart’s closure, many residents expressed concern and curiosity about the future of the site. City officials even explored ambitious alternatives like mixed-use developments to ensure the area’s continued prosperity. Ultimately, the successful recruitment of these new businesses, spearheaded by a community-focused grocery store, directly addresses the neighbors’ hopes for the plaza’s revitalization, making it a proud moment for East Las Vegas.

FAQs About Sunrise Plaza’s New Chapter

• Where is the revitalized Sunrise Plaza located?
  It is situated at the southwest corner of Bonanza Road and Nellis Boulevard in East Las Vegas.
• What is the new anchor store and why is it significant?
  La Bonita Supermarkets, a Las Vegas-based Hispanic grocery chain, will be the new anchor. Grocery stores are crucial for driving consistent foot traffic and boosting sales for surrounding businesses.
• What other new businesses have opened in the plaza?
  Boot Barn, Ross Dress for Less, Five Below, and Hibbett have all recently opened their doors or are coming soon.
• What happened to the large Kmart space?
  The more than 100,000-square-foot former Kmart space was strategically divided and renovated to accommodate multiple new tenants, including La Bonita, Ross, and Five Below.
• Who is the landlord behind this revitalization?
  Balboa Retail Partners, a Los Angeles-based real estate firm, acquired the center in 2017 and undertook the redevelopment efforts.

The transformation of Sunrise Plaza marks a positive turning point for East Las Vegas. It underscores the enduring value of local shopping and provides convenient, diverse options for residents, demonstrating that strategic investment can breathe new life into community hubs. Keep an eye out for La Bonita’s grand opening!

La Bonita Supermarkets Anchors East Las Vegas Plaza Rebirth