Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last fall, and now a new tenant has emerged to take over the vacant space in Somerton, writes Paul Schwedelson for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
ASR Food Market, which already owns a Halal food market just a block away, has signed a long-term lease to fill the former Big Lots space on Bustleton Avenue.
When the move officially happens in September, ASR Food Market will be quadrupling its space.
In addition, it will bring new life to the Northeast Philadelphia shopping center.
“What you want in the center is a mix of complementary tenants,” said leasing broker Steve Perna of PernaFrederick. “This is a large space. Some of it is also going to be a draw to help generate activity for the other tenants.”
The shopping center’s other tenants include Integrated Medical Care, The Edge Fitness Clubs, and Vibe DanceSport.
Perna along with property owner Roberto Pupo met with ASR Food Market owner Aziz Khan. They immediately felt the strong presence the store has in the Northeast Philly community and thought it was a no-brainer to lease the vacant space to him and his store.
Read more about ASR Food Market as it expands throughout Northeast Philly in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
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