Primark and Zara anchoring Kings Plaza makeover

Kings Plaza is saying goodbye to Sears, and saying hello to European stores Primark and Zara.

The two retailers are coming to the mall at Flatbush Avenue and Avenue U, replacing Sears which has been there for two decades. The Sears building, which will officially close in mid-September, will experience a total redo.

“We are pleased to announce that we will be opening a store in Kings Plaza mall, an exceptional shopping destination in New York City,” said Paul Marchant, Primark chief executive. “This represents our 10th store in the Northeast of the United States.”

Since 1997, Sears has been a main retail destination for many shoppers, replacing Alexander’s, one of the two original anchor stores at Kings Plaza when it opened in 1970, and which shuttered back in 1991.

With the new redevelopment taking place, Primark will take over the three-level building where Sears stands. Zara will be a two-level store, adjacent to the mall entrance.

“Transforming this space at Kings Plaza gives us tremendous opportunity to bring in a slate of market-leading new specialty retailers starting with Primark and Zara, and evolve the customer experience in line with what Brooklyn’s trend-forward shoppers look for,” said Doug Healey, executive vice president, leasing for Macerich, the mall’s owner.

Councilmember Allen Maisel is thrilled to see the new retailers join in on the redevelopment.

“I’m very glad that Kings Plaza continues to be a leader in Brooklyn and this is a great development for the community,” said Maisel.

Community Board 18 Chair Saul Needle agreed, noting he believes the new stores will bring a positive shopping experience to shoppers and the community.

“It is always best to have a mall fully occupied,” said Needle.

The redevelopment will also include a new Flatbush Avenue entrance with four-level glass curtain wall to provide natural lighting, as well as two new escalators and elevators.

Construction is set to begin early of 2017.