Fremont Feasts On Newark Retail

One line from the recent state of the city speech encapsulated Fremont's retail strength vis a vis neighboring Newark.

Mayor Bill Harrison told an audience of business and civic leaders that a new TJ MAXX and Home Goods will occupy the former Ashley Furniture site, 

That welcome news for Fremont could be an ominous portent for the TJ MAXX at Mowry Center.

Although Newark economic development director Terrence Grindall recently told Patch he doesn't have any information about a possible closure, he allowed that TJ MAXX doesn't commonly have two stores as close as the existing Newark store and the pending Fremont location would be.

Thad Logan of Retail West, a San Francisco-based commercial real estate firm, said Fremont and Union City continue to outshine Newark in retail appeal.

"The big picture along the Interstate 880 corridor is the success of Pacific Commons and Union Landing," Logan told Patch.

By contrast Newark has had some high profile retail departures in recent years including the loss of a Toys'R'Us to Fremont.

Why does the current tide seem to favor Union City and Fremont?

"Union Landing has held its position since it opened and its theater remains a huge draw," Logan told Patch.

Pacific Commons also maintains the retail version of critical mass -- the right mix of entertainment, big box stores and restaurants -- to perpetuate its momentum.

"Success feeds on itself," Logan said.