rev:text
| - The Shops at Norterra are just OK. Unfortunately, it seems like there are more vacant spaces than actual shops. I think the plan and idea for the center is very good: I feel that when the economy picks up and more spaces are filled it will be a great little area. As of right now (September 2010) there are just a handful of stores and many of them are pricy clothing boutiques. Charming Charlies recently opened (inexpensive jewelry store) and that's been a great addition to the area; when more stores like that open, the place will be booming! It definitely does not compare to Desert Ridge or a mall. When I go to The Shops at Norterra, it's because I want to go to a specific store (Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works), not because I want to casually stroll around the area and walk from store-to-store like I would do at Desert Ridge or a mall. Until more shops fill the spaces (preferably not expensive, taste-specific boutiques) it will be just an OK area to me. Fun to visit, but not a place that I will go on a free Saturday afternoon when I want to spend a few hours casually shopping and browsing.
As far as dining is concerned, there are several places to eat; most of which are OK, nothing very fancy or especially memorable, just usual chain-places you will find at most shopping centers.
Also, I feel I should add that unless I am wrong (which I could be) The Shops at Norterra is not to be mistaken with and is not affiliated with Happy Valley Towne Center. The Shops at Norterra is on the North side of Happy Valley (Harkins, Best Buy, etc.) and Happy Valley Towne Center is on the South side of Happy Valley (Walmart, TJ Maxx, Barnes & Noble, etc). This review concerns The Shops at Norterra only.
Overall, I feel like it has a lot of potential and will be a 5-star shopping center when more stores go in because right now it just lacks too much.
|