Address: 9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Hours: Opens 11 AM ⋅ Closes 9 PM
Phone: (305) 866-0311
The iconic Bal Harbour Shops is located in the Bal Harbour suburb and is close to Miami Beach. In 2022, this premier shopping destination achieved an astonishing $3,400 in sales per square foot, firmly establishing itself among the highest-grossing retail centers on the global stage.
A Visionary Beginning
The story of Bal Harbour Shops begins with the visionary Stanley Whitman. Between 1954 and 1962, Whitman went on a journey across the United States, meticulously studying shopping centers. In 1957, he made his first move by acquiring the site for Bal Harbour Shops at a record-breaking price of $2 per square foot. This location had a unique history, once serving as a United States Army barracks and World War II prisoner of war camp.
Whitman’s vision for Bal Harbour Shops was nothing short of revolutionary. Fueled by the tropical climate and the stunning seaside location, he envisioned an open-air shopping mall—a novel concept at the time. Initially collaborating with architect Victor Gruen, Whitman later entrusted the project to Herb Johnson, a Miami-based architect. After overcoming initial challenges, the mall opened its doors in 1965.
The inaugural collection of stores at Bal Harbour Shops included renowned names like FAO Schwarz, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Martha’s—a salon that would go on to host fashion shows featuring illustrious designers such as Valentino and Oscar de la Renta, both of whom later opened boutiques at the mall. Early on, European design giants like Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci also set up shop.
An Iconic Journey
Bal Harbour Shops continued to develop throughout the years. In 1971, Neiman Marcus established a department store at the center, followed by Saks Fifth Avenue in 1976 and Gucci in 1977. By 1987, Bal Harbour Shops was recording remarkable sales figures of $1,000 per square foot.
The 1980s marked another milestone as Bal Harbour Shops became the first shopping center to embark on vertical expansion. A second level was added in 1983, with 100,000 additional square feet of retail space, elevating the shopping experience to new heights.
Sales figures at Bal Harbour Shops continued their upward trajectory, reaching an impressive $3,000 per square foot in 2015, a testament to its enduring allure. In 2022, the shopping mall reached the zenith of retail success, boasting sales of $3,400 per square foot.
In 2012, the Whitman family’s legacy extended beyond retail as they struck a landmark land swap deal with Church by the Sea, contributing to the construction of a 60,000-square-foot church. The same year, Bal Harbour Shops entered into an exciting equity partnership with Swire Properties to co-develop the retail component of Brickell CityCentre in downtown Miami.
A Peek into the Future
In 2017, a bold enhancement plan was announced, featuring the addition of 241,600 square feet of new retail space and restaurants. With a target completion date in 2024, this expansion is expected to elevate Bal Harbour Shops to even greater heights of affluence.
Today, Bal Harbour Shops boasts a curated selection of prestigious tenants that include Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and many more. Anchored by retail giants Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, it continues to attract shoppers from around the globe.
If you’re into fashion or just want to treat yourself, Bal Harbour Shops has got you covered with the most amazing shopping experience you’ll ever have.
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FAQs
Q : What are the anchor tenants at Bal Harbour Shops?
A : Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Q : When did Bal Harbour Shops first open?
A : Bal Harbour Shops opened its doors in 1965.
Q : Who is the CEO of Bal Harbour Shops?
A : The CEO of Bal Harbour Shops is Matthew Whitman Lazenby.
Chris Zasada
Chris is a Midwest Transplant that has lived in South Florida since 1999. While he likes to remain active and is an avid sports enthusiast, he's become our go-to provider of reviews of any establishment serving food and booze!