Pier Park Gets Some Competition

The economy in Panama City Beach has been improving and with that developers have decided to build a 400,000-square foot shopping center across from Pier Park.  The new development will be on the North side of Back Beach Road adjacent to Frank Brown Park on approximately 60-acres.  They are hoping to open Pier Park North by Spring 2013 after beginning construction in Spring 2012.

The outdoor shopping area has been named Pier Park North, but is a competitor rather than an expansion.  Simon Property Group owns Pier Park and its competitor Glimcher Development Group owns Pier Park North.

Leases have been signed for 50% of the space, including one large anchor store, however the Glimcher Development Group plans to announce these names at a later date.  There have been rumors of the prospective stores to call Pier Park North home.

Prospective Stores

  • Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Michaels
  • Fresh Market
  • Pier 1 Imports
  • Kirklands
  • Ross Dress for Less
  • Shoe Carnival
  • Petco
  • Toys R Us
  • Rooms to Go
  • Men’s Warehouse
  • VisionWorks
  • Osaka’s
  • Cheddars

How do you think the competition will be against Pier Park?

30 thoughts on “Pier Park Gets Some Competition

  1. Sounds GREAT! All it needs is a Cracker Barrel! That will be a huge hit all year round! Tourists in in the season and snowbirds in the “off season”!

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  2. Just keep on cramming it all into the same spot, after all we already have a new Walmart coming in the only other remaining bit of space there. Forget traffic implications and the residents in the neighborhood back there, who will now have these stores right in their backyards. Is there even 400,000 square feet to build on there? What was wrong with the space earmarked for Pier Park West that’s been cleared for years for this, or is that to become Ampitheater parking or something now? It would be such a refreshing change if the planners could look elsewhere in town for some new development for a change.

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    1. I wouldnt get all butthurt over this mall by Pier Park, theres plenty more coming to that area. Pier Park West will be coming soon after not counting all the small stores that will go in front of Walmart. That area will explode in the next 10 years.

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      1. Yep, you’re right, I guess I did get a bit over-reactive there. Nothing like reading a term like butthurt to put a smile back on my face though, and remind myself that there are bigger things to worry about in the world this holiday season. 🙂

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      2. Jeremy, thats a term I heard my kids use. It seemed appropriate in this case, lol. Seriously though, theres alot of woods in that area that probably wont be for long.

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  3. I’m a bit confused.. how can Pier Park North be on the north side of Back Beach Road *and* adjacent to Aaron Bessant Park? If the new development is adjacent to Aaron Bessant Park, shouldn’t it be called Pier Park West? Pretty sure you meant adjacent to Frank Brown Park.

    Also, isn’t this kind of old news, like two or three weeks old?

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  4. Too much retail in that area will be “overdone” in my opinion. It’s nice to see some open spaces and grass here and there. The word “gluttonous” come to mind.

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  5. I don’t like to think of it as “competition” just more “good stuff” for PCB so you don’t have to keep driving into Destin or Panama City.

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  6. I don’t think it would be a matter of competition. If they are bringing in new and different stores, I would think it will only bring in more people (and a new demographic if Fresh Market is coming). I believe the new shopping complex would only bring more business to Pier Park.

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    1. It’s much needed competition for Simon. Hopefully this new company will make renting space a little more practical. Simon appears to have absolutely no interest in the success of their tenants. I’m overly certain that’s the reason Glimcher sees opportunity. Simon may as well have put a welcome mat on a billboard across the street. Just ask their struggling tenants.

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  7. I’m not thrilled to hear this……… just when Pier Park was doing so well & people loved to go there. Why mess up a good thing?
    If you sit back & think about this, when this happens Pier Park will lose it’s valuable business as vacationers seek the more “favorable” shops thus Pier Park will begin to fade away & die a slow death. Shame, and it’s such a pretty place for everyone to go to.
    One thing I will say is the location for the new shopping area is nice, thank goodness it is across the main “busy” road making your travel situation more difficult.
    And, you were all so worried about Wal-Mart causing so much traffic.
    Oh well….. wonders never cease to amaze me.
    Cathy/Tennessee

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  8. sounds okay. But nothing that is enticing enough yet to say I would venture over there. Macy’s would be nice. Banana Republic.

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  9. A Macy’s along with some other higher quality shopping and restaurants would definitely be one of the best looks for Pier Park. Also, a Fresh Market in the area would be wonderful. Give the people what they want!!!

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  10. With the exception of the Fresh Market on that list mentioned above it sounds like they want to meet the everyday shopping needs on the beach side, without the hassle of having to cross the bridge. Can I get a Best Buy?? Since this will not be in Pier Park I think this is not a bad idea… As for Pier Park, they really need to rethink their target demographic. Right now it looks like they are willing to put anything out there to fill up the spaces and I would rather take my money to Destin to do casual shopping. Forever 21 could be a good look and prove to draw a huge amount of business if they bring all their brands and not just the stuff for high school girls. As a young professional, I would like to see Pier Park go for a more trendy/upscale spin. Bring something new that adds quality to the area. They need to take note from Destin shopping areas and figure out who they want their target market to be and fill in the gaps. Apple Store, Macy’s, H&M, Williams-Sonoma, Saks Fifth, etc… same goes for restaurants… Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s, Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris, etc… even a better selection of quick eat restaurants like Chipotle would be awesome.

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    1. At would be nice if we could vote on the stores that would go into Pier Park but unfortunately that is not how it works. It is not a selection process, while Simon Properties might try to recruit, it is ultimately up to the business itself if they want to come. Simon’s main concern is will they pay the rent and honor the lease.

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